September 11, 2001, started as usual then turned into a day like none other. I was a city carrier for USPS in Stewartville at the time. The postmaster received a phone call while we were all in the office casing mail and sorting parcels for the day, about the first tower. He turned the TV on while we all listened in stunned silence as we went about our duties. Once I started deliveries on the street, the day seemed quite unusual. The first thing that I noticed was how quiet it was with all air traffic grounded. I had a walking route; the Army had been using RST airport for takeoff and landing drills in a couple of Boeing C-17 Globemaster III cargo planes daily so I was used to hearing the noise while outside. While I was walking the route, many people were surprised to see that we were still carrying on with our duties. Some came to the door, clearly distraught, wanting to tell me the most current news on the situation. I worried for my country and fellow man right along with them, did what I could to offer a bit of comfort by giving them a moment of my time before moving on with deliveries. Many prayers were spoken and unspoken that day for those who survived and those who perished. May we never forget.
Wendy Reck
Spring Valley, Minn.
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