On Tuesday, Sept. 11, I caught an American Airlines flight from Richmond, Va., to New York's LaGuardia airport. As we flew into the city, I watched for the main landmarks. First, the Statue of Liberty. Then the twin towers of the World Trade Center, with the sun reflecting off the towers' mirrored windows.
I was thinking about my schedule — mid-town meetings on Tuesday and downtown meetings on Wednesday, ending with a multi-client luncheon at the World Trade Center. My partners and I landed about 8 a.m. and were shocked when my wife called me in the limo to tell me about the plane hitting the World Trade Center. She called again a short while later to tell us about the second plane.
Our hosts were very cordial at our first meeting, but we could tell they were distracted by concerns for friends and family. We shared their concerns.
None of us enjoys uncertainty.
Beyond the obvious tragedy for thousands of families, this has cast the largest cloud over our country that most of us can remember. It is much larger than the 1990 Iraqi invasion of Kuwait and the following "mother of all wars."
That is, perhaps, a benefit. All our officials recognize the threat to our economy and are working to be certain that our institutions remain healthy and viable, and that steps are taken to assure our people they can return to life as usual soon.
Be certain that this will be a distraction, but hopefully not for too long.
What can we do?
First, I could not help but be touched by the police, fire and rescue squad people that put themselves in danger to save lives. Many of New York's finest are still missing, and probably dead. Find a way to honor your local crews as a way of thanking them for the risks they take every day. Don't forget to include our military.
Second, this should unite our nation and restore patriotism. Remember to tastefully participate in this.
Third, do not use this as an excuse for bad business. Keep advertising.
Finally, I remember my late friend, the great Nat Ancell, reminding us that our homes are our safe havens, where we go to escape danger and stress. The home and our families will be more important than ever following this disaster. That should be a key to how our industry should see itself from now on.
My partners and I drove home from New York noting how very blessed we were.
Count your blessings too.
