Real American Stories

We asked people to participate in Real American Stories and were astonished by the responses. From people we stopped on the sidewalk to household names eager to tell their uniquely American stories, we invite you to watch selections that moved us.

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47 Responses to “Tom Clarke”

On November 6th, 2009 at 9:11 am Jim said:

Tom in the early morning hours on 911 my wife and I were awaken by hotel staff in Bali, Indonesia to alert us the the attack. As we watched TV coverage we could not separate in our minds that what we were witnessing was real. As you said it was as though we were watching a movie.
On October 22nd, 2009 at 8:33 am Lisa Walker said:

Your words brought it all back…..I got that same sickening feeling in my stomach all over again…..God Bless you…..may we never forget…..
On October 6th, 2009 at 12:22 pm Ana Maria Ujvari said:

Sorry Tom for replying so late, I was not aware that people do that. Your wife Lisa brought it to my attention.Thanks Lisa! On that unforgettable day,we were on vacation by the Seneca lake more exactly at a Wal Mart store, where we saw the towers come down. You were the first thing that came to my mind knowing that you work in the city. It was quite a relief when i found out that you are safe. Unfortunate for the rest of those who lost their life! God rest their souls! God bless you and your beautiful family! Love, Ana Maria,your neighbor
On September 30th, 2009 at 3:05 pm DierryetexY said:

Прошу прощения, ничем не могу помочь, но уверен, что Вам обязательно помогут. Не отчаивайтесь.
On September 27th, 2009 at 8:39 am David M.Ward said:

I am telling my children about what happened on that terrible day ( 9-11), just
as my father & mother told me about Pearl Harbor. We must never forget
these days as a country for those who lost some & those who gave all.
Let freedom ring and may God continue to bless the USA.
On September 27th, 2009 at 1:48 am Yolanda Knaak said:

Thanks Tom for sharing your story. It really hit home because today I read how Zazi had planned to bomb New York City on 9/11/09 with a hydrogen peroxide bomb, thank God the Feds intercepted. Thank God for our military, our police and our firefighters. Lord bless them and keep them safe. God Bless America and God please guide our country onto the right path.
On September 26th, 2009 at 10:16 pm Steve Moreland said:

Thank you Tom for reminding us of what we should never forget!
On September 26th, 2009 at 4:11 pm Sheri said:

God Bless you Tom! Thank you for sharing your story at a time where too many people are beginning to take our freedom for granted! I will never forget that day and I will be forever changed by the events of that sorrowful day.
On September 25th, 2009 at 5:15 pm Blaine said:

Thanks Tom, I work via telephone with business men/women in NYC / NJ all day each business day from behind my desk in Oklahoma. You all are truly a blessing to me and thank you, Tom, for sharing.
On September 24th, 2009 at 12:37 am Charity said:

Thank you Tom!!! i will always remember that day. It’s forever associated in my mind with that picture of our flag being pulled out of the dust, rubble, and debris at Ground Zero by those firefighters. i hope we never forget that day, that time, those who died, and those who are still dying to keep our freedom.

GOD BLESS AMERICA
LAND THAT I LOVE
STAND BESIDE HER AND GUIDE HER
THRU THE NIGHT WITH A LIGHT FROM ABOVE.
FROM THE MOUNTAINS TO THE PRAIRIE
TO THE OCEANS WHITE WITH FOAM
GOD BLESS AMERICA
MY HOME SWEET HOME.
-Irving Berlin

May we never forget. God Bless America!!!!!!!!
On September 23rd, 2009 at 2:17 pm James A. Dare II said:

How moving! The part about finding survivors was very moving. How the USA has forgotten! A muslim in the White House! Democrats ruining our economy…something the muslims attempted and failed at with 9/11. Not God bless America! No…OH No! God help the USA! Oh how we need revival.
On September 23rd, 2009 at 1:07 pm joe melillo said:

Hello Tommy, Well done. ALthough I moved to LA, I am a NYer at heart. I am still torn apart when I see heart felt true stories of 911. My cousin being in a building next door made it extremely close to home. She still has nightmares. And we all must not forget our troops who are putting their lifes on the line everyday. May we finally get these bastards who are responsible…
On September 23rd, 2009 at 9:51 am Mike Bradley said:

Thanks for all your selflessness and courageous acts, Tom. I am a continuing very grateful citizen of the United States and I pause on days other than Sept 11 to give thanks to God for the blessings of living in the greatest republic the world has or will ever see. If I am ever a victim of such a cowardly act, I hope I have a fraction of the courage our fellow citizens did on Flt # 93…what a powerful statement of American unity, bravery, and special example of the human spirit. Every Thanksgiving, that uniqely American holiday, I can’t help but think of the victims, honor their memory, and give thanks to the Good Lord for our continuing blessings living in freedom. Let’s be vigilant, my fellow citizens, forever watchful for those who intend us harm, and look after each other.
On September 22nd, 2009 at 4:11 pm Rev. Tevis said:

God bless you Tom … we should never forget … and we need to be more mindful to pray for all those affected by this tragedy. We should still be mindful to be alert at all times. Thank you and bless you for sharing this with us.
On September 21st, 2009 at 11:54 pm Nancee Ann said:

Thank you, Tom, for sharing your experience of 9/11 and the courageous Americans who sifted through the rubble looking for survivors. I will never forget that day. Whenever I see the Towers, standing in all their Glory….a huge sense of pride goes through me! Whenever I see replays of them being attacked on 9/11, I feel EXACTLY the same way I did that day…TOTALLY sick to my stomach, even though it’s been 8 years. Each year I think “This Anniversary will be easier, it’s been 4 or 5 or 6 or 7 years now…”. It NEVER is easier and NEVER WILL BE!! I’ve finally accepted that and realize I don’t WANT it to be easier. I live an hour outside NYC in NJ. Many people I know were impacted terribly on that day, and because they were, I was too on their behalf. I’ve also visited Shanksville, and think of those at the Pentagon as well. WE MUST NEVER FORGET!! Again, thank you, Tom, for sharing your story.
On September 21st, 2009 at 8:39 pm Aleta Peer said:

I remember being at work and receiving a call from my husband. He was watching it on the news as it unfolded. At first we thought it was an accident but then the second plane hit and then we knew we were under attack. I will never forget (9/11) that day, as this is the day that shook America. God bless America!
On September 21st, 2009 at 6:09 pm Jamie Williamson said:

Tom,
Its people like you that make America what it is! GOD BLESS!
On September 21st, 2009 at 3:10 pm Chris said:

Thank You Tom for such a moving account of your story.I was in Leesville,La at Fort Polk on the morning of 9/11.I had just finished making a delivery along my route and became “locked”"down in the base when it happened.I stood there in disbelief as i watched what seemed so surreal take place on the tv screen in the restaraunt i was servicing.Last year i was blessed with a chance to travel to Manhattan for business.I did not get a chance to visit Ground Zero,but i did view where those towers stood from the top of the Empire State Building.It truly left me with something i will never forget and will always keep the victims and survivors of that horrific event in my heart .
God Bless
On September 20th, 2009 at 9:19 pm Eric said:

God Bless you, Tom! It’s funny how some American’s have short memories! I hope we never forget 9-11 and the sacrifice that American’s made that awful day.
On September 20th, 2009 at 10:53 am Janet said:

Tom, thank you so much for sharing your story. I just found this web site or I would have written sooner. My day today will be spent reading everything on this site. As Americans we are just like one city. We all banded together that day and felt the pain. It felt just like it was happening in our city . Just because most of us were not there does not mean we don’t understand. We cried and cried and cried as if we were there and helped in other ways. Many of us came across the United States to be there and help in any way we could. So whether we were there or not we understand. I am crying right now as I write this. The memory of that day and where I was when this happened is etched in my mind forever. The people who died, their families, the survivors, and the rescuers have a peice of my heart that will always be there. Thank you for letting me share my thoughts. Bless you.
On September 19th, 2009 at 9:56 pm mike wieczorek said:

Being a New Yorker, I feel everyone’s pain. I am the few that got to do something about it. I am a united states army soldier. I have been chasing these people for years right up to today. God bless the country we live in, but I do believe most of you just have not done enough… and that’s why these things will happen again. Us men and woman in the service know true sacrifice, and some of those in uniform too also fall into the category of those I would love to educate. We need as a nation to take seriously who we put in seats that will ultimately make important decisions for us. I am outraged at the stupidity of our northern states and who they elect. 1% of our nation votes on our values and beliefs. Please America — wake up and smell the coffee, and truly honor those we have lost .
On September 18th, 2009 at 7:24 pm Mary T Laber said:

Thank you Tom for sharing your story with us. I’ll never forget that day and the aftermath that followed. Visiting New York a few years before 9/11 and standing on the roof of the first tower that fell was the highlight of my visit there. Watching it crumble on that day, I could remember all of the folks all around us, visiting, just like us, enjoying the views and the height, the blue sky and sunshine. It was not about the building anymore, but the innocent unsuspecting victims that were there. God bless you and the work you and others did in your efforts to recover those that could be and those who could never be.
On September 18th, 2009 at 1:00 pm Sylvia Bain said:

Thanks Tom for Sharing Your Story. We must NEVER, NEVER FORGET!
On September 16th, 2009 at 10:00 pm Pete Flanagan said:

Thanks Tom! God bless Silver Beach, the Bronx, New York City and America! Haven’t seen you in awhile, but this is a good interview. I was one of the people covered in soot, and made my way up Water Street after the North Tower came down.

We must remain vigilant, especially in New York. Thank you for the wake-up call. I pay attention as I walk around; the bad thing is I am still so pissed off. I don’t think that is going to go away. Be well, defend Liberty…

Pete
On September 16th, 2009 at 8:47 pm Bern Wagner said:

Tom it’s been along time . Good to see you. I moved out of New York in 93
after the first bombing of the Towers. I’m still serving the State in Syracuse.
God Bless Marine!!
On September 16th, 2009 at 6:19 pm Michele Collins said:

I watched it live and in disbelief on TV as the second plane flew into the second tower and knew that we were under attack. I was safe in my living room in Houston ,Texas–but for a short while was scared of what would happen next. Could it be happening here too. The horror of that day will live with me forever, And though God asks us to forgive–this is one thing I cannot. The anger and hurt still wells in my heart. And each year as I watch the attacks again–it is like it was only yesterday. I grew up in western PA and the one thing my husband and I wanted to do on a recent trip there was to go to Shanksville. The respect and love for our fallen heroes there was overwhelming. There was a silence and peace that just warms your soul. God Bless all the souls lost that day. And may America remain ever vigilant to the godless individuals who would try to attack us again.
On September 15th, 2009 at 11:15 am Susan said:

Although I have never been in New York City, I have friends who live and/or work there and were personally touched. I appreciate hearing Tom’s story because it helps me to feel more a part of what took place and to better understad how it affected so many people who were at the scene of what happened. I grew up in western PA; my husband’s grandmother lives near Shanksville, where the fourth plane crashed. We have visited the memorial site there. It is very moving to see the countless, millions, of notes and memorabilia left by visitors to that site who have taken the time to travel w-a-y out into ‘God’s Country’ (a truly serene, beautiful place) to pay their respects and leave kind thoughts from all across the country and beyond. While not all Americans experienced the events of 9/11 in-person, I think most of us who remember were touched in a personal way. It is important to remember those who selflessly sacrificed themselves to rescue others… let us always cherish Freedom and the sanctity of Life.
On September 14th, 2009 at 8:23 am Karen said:

Thank you for your touching recolection of that faitful day… a day that will be forever etched in my memory. To this day, seeing a flag on the side of a building, a yellow ribbon around a tree or even our national anthem brings me back to that day and how I felt . I live outside DC and remember how it effected usas well. A few years following 9/11 I would ride Metro to work and always had it in the back of mind that they could do something there. Travelling alot for work and living outside DC, you just never feel safe.
On September 13th, 2009 at 11:20 pm Mike said:

I very much disagree with Mary Ellen Englert. I live in Colorado in the same house and same neighbor hood I did on 9/11. I am affected by this great tragedy every year not only on the anniversary but almost daily. My heart , mind and soul will never forget any of the men or women that died that day. Nor will I ever forgive the perpertrators of the dispicable act. I advertise on my sign at my place of business for people to never forget. So Mary, for you to say I, or the rest of the country doesn’t understand, you are very shortsighted, and selfish. My mom and dad very well remember Pearl Harbor, and they were clear across the pacific from the great tragedy. Americans have a heart for their fellow Americans.
On September 13th, 2009 at 6:09 pm Kerry said:

God bless you Tom!!!
On September 13th, 2009 at 9:55 am Dave said:

Thank you Tom. America can never forget. I will never forget that September day in New York. My life has forever been affected by it. Your story is so well told. Thank you.
On September 13th, 2009 at 2:36 am Brian Franks said:

Hey Tom, I live in Lubbock,Tx . I remember that day like it was five minutes ago. I too was indirectly affected by the horrible events of that day. although I didn’t lose anyone, I was in the Navy and did go away from my wife, family and everyone that I loved. I couldn’t even begin to imagine what it must have been like to see the horror first hand. Police,Fire, Paramedics, totally awesome, selfless people. God bless you all!
On September 12th, 2009 at 5:48 pm Maritess Bernardino said:

Thank you Tom for sharing and reminding us of this attacked that killed so many people. Every year that I visited Ground Zero, the crowd is dwindling to smaller crowd and my impression seems this day is just another day.
Regardless, this will not stop me from visiting NY and pay my respect to all who lost their lives.
GOD BLESS AMERICA!!!

Maritess
Danville, CA
On September 12th, 2009 at 4:38 pm Brian Hunt said:

Way to go Tommy…Great story brother. I remember it like it was yesterday. Unfortunately more has to be done to aid the hero’s who worked on the pile. The tragedy continues with all the related illnesses incurred. It’s true when they say “all gave some and some gave all” but the ones who gave some are now giving all. Our government has to wake up and help these people and stop throwing OUR money to these #$%@ social programs.
On September 12th, 2009 at 3:27 pm Connie said:

I will always remember 9/11.
I was home that day, following the events on television and calling everyone I knew to give them a heads up. I called my husband at work and met him in the driveway when he came home. I went to a store in the next town to buy an American flag to hang off the front porch. I have always been patriotic but that day brought my patriotism to the fore, never to be lowered.
May God bless America and all of the brave people who lost their lives on that terrible day.

When, and if, we ever catch Bin Laden- God forgive the defense attorney who has the nerve to defend him and don’t even try to let him be judged by our laws!
On September 12th, 2009 at 11:42 am Rebecca said:

Thank you Tom for sharing your story. You are an inspiration – and I will never forget.
On September 12th, 2009 at 8:04 am Tim Beall said:

I want to be able to add a link to facebook and twitter. I doubt everyone i know has heard this Tom Clark`s description of his memory of 9/11. I was floored when I heard of Tom`s account story.
On September 12th, 2009 at 2:31 am Wayne said:

Tom Clarkes story was very moing
On September 11th, 2009 at 9:48 pm Mary Brown Colbert said:

Bless you for sharing such a touching story, we hope that you will share this story every time you have the chance. Although we are so far away (California) our hearts were there, we are all Americans we have that bond. I will watch your story often, you sir are a great American……Mary Colbert
On September 11th, 2009 at 8:00 pm Bob D:) said:

I watched the TV all that day. I’ve seen many recounts of what happened that day. Tom’s recounting really touched me and brought emotions I never had on that day.

God Bless,

Bob D:)
On September 11th, 2009 at 4:44 pm Fred Morse said:

Very touching, To many people have forgotten how they felt on 911.
On September 11th, 2009 at 1:11 pm debbie said:

My heart goes out to all of the survivors and to the families of those who were less fortunate. This is a day that I will never forget. I know what it is to live through a disaster. I survived Katrina but lost a lot. May God Bless and keep all of you and may your memories of your loved ones forever be in your heart. I have visted New York and Washington several times since that awful day and always visit the memorials. They are both heartbreaking but for some reason they both make you PROUD TO BE AN AMERICAN. GOD BLESS THE USA!!!!
On September 11th, 2009 at 1:07 pm Barbara Eyler said:

This was a Great report! Thank you for reminding us of this Attack on our country! We will never forget all the brave men and women who’s lives were taken and how our country become one. Thanks to you and all our Fireman, Police who were so courageous. I also cry at the anniversary and remember our great loss. God Bless America!!!!!
On September 11th, 2009 at 12:42 pm Katy said:

I respectively disagree with Mary Ellen Englert, I live in Jacksonville, Fl and was on the phone with my Air Force Son that was stationed in England on that day, and we both felt devastated, angry and so sad for all the people lost on that day, and still wondering if the attacks would continue throughout the United States. So, all Americans felt the pain, because we are all a family. I have read the entire book of Potrait of 9/11 and silently said goodbye to all those who perished and told them I would see them when my time comes. So you didn’t have to be there to know or feel….
On September 11th, 2009 at 11:25 am Mary Ellen Englert said:

I live in Massacxhusetts now, but I am from Brooklyn, N.Y. and my sister still lives in Glendale, Qns. Many of those who died lived in her neighborhood. Fireman, police and office workers. I cried that day and I cry every anniversary, because I know how people in the boroughs ban together in a deseaster. The rest of the country really don’t understand, because it didn’t happen in their cities. We can’t ever forget and we can’t be lenient when we catch these monsters who commited this deed. Thank you for showing these stories and GOD BLESS AMERICA!!!!
On September 11th, 2009 at 9:50 am Anna Beth said:

God bless you, Tom, and all of the brave search and rescue personnel who gave so selflessly on 9/11 and the days that followed.
On September 11th, 2009 at 7:02 am James Ferguson said:

When you watch this, then hear individuals like Charlie Sheen say that Americans did this so that we would go to war. I do not know what the rest of the people in this Great country is going to do but I will not watch anything that Sheen has any thing do to with.

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