Where were you on 9/11/2001?

Father Jerry Hanley at St. Teresa of Avila Catholic Community, was struck dumbfounded on Sept. 11, 2001.

"I saw it (attacks) on The Today Show," Hanley said.

"I ran to the church and the first thing we did was open every door in the place so the people would know we were open."

Hanley said black bunting was placed on the doors as a sign of mourning and extra services were held for people to attend and pray for the victims. Staff was at the church for three days, 24 hours a day because people were pouring in, crying, wanting to pray.

"We kept the doors open for the memory of the people, held fundraisers for the victims, the firemen. And we did a lot of praying."

Hanley said the attacks were like a horror show.

"That first day, Sept. 11, was like all the wars wrapped into one. We are up against a great, great evil.

"For me, I was like, if it were dropped on my head it would be OK. But it was innocent, wonderful people who had to suffer like that. It broke my heart."

Hanley has tried to keep up with the events, politically, since Sept. 11.

"I love the spirit of the women, the spouses, who are diligently working with Washington D.C. to get justice - a great result was a commission for that.

"We just have to remember, we're all vulnerable. Evil can't win. We can't let it win in the city or anywhere else.

"And we can't be a part of that evil."

A special Mass will be held at 12:15 p.m. Monday at St. Teresa of Avila Catholic Community, 3000 N. Lompa Lane.

Fred Williams, president of the Korean War Veterans Association Chapter 305 in Carson City, was home at the time the first airliner flew into one of the Twin Towers in New York.

"My friend, the late Beth Liechty, called and told us what happened," Williams said.

"I couldn't do anything but wait and listen to the news. All day long."

Williams thought to himself, "What was the reason for it?"

"My thoughts (about the attacks) were that the ones who flew the planes into the towers, had no respect for life, whatsoever. Life or happiness.

"My friends and I couldn't believe it.

"But I'm proud of what those on Flight 93 did - avoiding the Pentagon and flying into a field."

Williams served in the U.S. Army for 21 years. He retired as a Sergeant First Class after having served all over the world, including the Korean War - Eighth Army, and in Viet Nam with the 51st Infantry Battalion, Charlie Company, First Platoon and Fourth Infantry Divisions.

Williams received the Purple Heart while serving in Viet Nam.