One year after the attacks on the World Trade Center and Pentagon, today is being called a day of remembrance.

The term remembrance, however, takes on a dual meaning today. Just like when John F. Kennedy was assassinated in 1963, everyone remembers where they were on Sept. 11, 2001.

Eddie Markins, 41, of Ironton, was behind a desk when the news broke.

"I was at work at the Clerk of Courts," Markins said. "(Clerk of Courts) Dale Burcham heard it on the radio when he was coming to work and told us. I was in a state of shock and in a daze of disbelief.

"I felt terrible for our whole country, especially the direct victims or those who had friends and family killed. I hope they take out bin Laden and eliminate terrorism so we can have peace on Earth."

Kristie Owens, 22, of Scottown, was at Gallia Academy doing her observations to become a teacher.

"Kids were coming in telling us what happened," Owens said. "I was scared because I didn't know what was going to happen next. Would it stop or would it be ongoing? I was thanking God my family lives in the country. I'm glad we don't have anything like that."

Lou Shoemaker, 62, of South Point was watching the morning news when the events unfolded.

"I was in front of the TV watching Katie Couric and Matt Lauer on the Today Show, and I saw it all," she said. "I watched the second plane hit live, and it was very devastating. I couldn't get away from the TV, and I cried a lot. This was devastating for our whole country."

Ryan Wileman, 8, of Ironton, like many other children across the nation, was in school when the tragedy happened.

"I was at school, and everyone was leaving," he said. "I was scared. I realized we're not invincible. I plan on telling my kids we were attacked by terrorists someday. I love my country because we're free."

Sarah Griffith, 16, of Ironton, was also in school.

"I was still living in North Carolina, and I was in school. We were all called to the library to watch the news. The whole school had a prayer vigil, and we all signed a banner that was sent to New York. There was also a bomb threat 20 miles away from us, so we got out early that day. People definitely take terrorism more seriously now. I'm scared about September 11 this year because it's hard telling what will happen." Amelia Pridemore/The Ironton Tribune