SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) — Shortly after the airliners slammed into the World Trade Center, people in KELOLAND were glued to their TVs looking for answers.
“I’m seeing this, but I don’t believe it. You know I’m looking at it with my own eyes, and it’s not on television. This is the real thing, and I’m just watching one of the tallest buildings in the world just fall to the ground,” said Sarah Anderson, a Sioux Falls native.
At first the big question was, who was attacking us and why. Those answers would come, but in the meantime, the priority became preventing and preparing for more attacks. The Sioux Falls Airport shut down and the Air National Guard units at Joe Foss Field went on high alert. Ellsworth Air Force Base near Rapid City was locked down with no travel on or off the base. Political and civic leaders sought to bring comfort to a stunned public.
“And we will speak with one voice to condemn these attacks to comfort the victims and their families, to commit our full support to the effort to bring those responsible to justice,” said Senator Tom Daschle
“You know there will be some who will say, let’s get even. Well, what’s been achieved by this tragic killing today? Nothing,” said Bishop Robert Carlson
Security was increased at many locations, including federal buildings and the hospitals in Sioux Falls. Lines formed at gas stations as people feared shortages and price hikes, which did come.
In Sioux Falls, the Red Cross set up donation sites to help the victims of the attacks. Churches opened their doors to those seeking comfort. In schools all over Keloland, students watched the history unfold. Our nation was under attack.
“When America responds, God help the people who did it because it’s going to be an incredible response,” said Governor Bill Janklow.
It was the day the sky went quiet and from Aberdeen to Yankton to Sioux Falls to Rapid city we all knew the world would never be quite the same again. President George Bush addressed the nation and ended his speach with the following.
“America has stood down enemies before, and we will do so this time, said Bush. “None of us will ever forget this day, yet we go forward to defend freedom and all that is good and just in our world. Thank you, goodnight, and God bless America.”
