9/11 Looking Back: Claire Hunter

We saw lots of high-ranking local Republicans who we knew. But the nicest and most notable in the group was the president himself. He came directly to where we were standing and thanked us for being there. He asked for my name, and I gave it to him, and he said: “It’s very nice to know you, Claire Hunter.”

We were all very proud to be there.

The next day, it was astounding. Ralph had a doctor’s appointment in Sarasota. We came bopping into the doctor’s office, and everyone was gathered around the TV. We wondered what they were looking at. They were looking at the first tower.

When we saw the president on TV, he looked so different. He had been so happy and relaxed when we saw him. He was so troubled by the time we saw him again.

We felt, as everyone did, that our lives would never be the same.

Read more Longboat  9/11 coverage here.