VALLEY FORUM: What Was Your Sept. 11 Like? Since the terrorist attacks on Sept. 11 of last year, we have heard continuously about the many ways in which our lives have been changed. It has been said that Sept. 11 may never be the same in the future. So, the San Fernando Valley Business Journal asks: How was your workday different on Sept. 11 this year? Sandra Ball Director, Human Resources and Organizational Development Mission Community Hospital Panorama City The excitement of transferring patients into our new hospital was tempered as employees, like the rest of our nation, remembered the tragedy of last Sept. 11. The hospital held a remembrance service, which gave us an opportunity to come together and reflect on those whose lives were lost or changed, as well as the blessings we enjoy as Americans. Our CEO, Bill Daniel, led the group in reading excerpts from the Declaration of Independence. A moment of silence was observed and the Pledge of Allegiance was recited. The organization’s acknowledgement of the tragedy, plus the words of our Founding Fathers, helped to put some balance into the anniversary. Marianne Haver Hill Executive Director MEND Pacoima My agency had a 9/11 memorial service that was attended by about 35 staff and volunteers. During the memorial, we allowed participants to express some of their thoughts, feelings and prayers in English or in Spanish. The participants ranged from teenagers to senior citizens. It was a touching and sobering time. Later, I was asked to sing a patriotic song at the United Chambers of Commerce luncheon where they also had reflections on the events and also honored the LAPD and LAFD. Larry Venema District Manager Automobile Club of Southern California Northridge We all wore red, white and blue clothing. The Auto Club provided each employee with a wonderful music CD to share with friends and family and to remind us all what our country is about through song. The CD is part of a fundraising effort for World Trade Center victims. In addition, we each received a commemorative lapel pin that depicted the American flag and the statement “We Stand Together – September 11, 2001.” The lobby television remained on so that members and employees could view the day’s ceremonies and patriotic music played in the background throughout the day. Bob Rawitch Vice President Winner & Associates Encino Like most people, I suspect, it was hard to focus on anything else but the tragedy on the East Coast. The scope was unclear. The culprits were unclear and whether there would be any survivors of the World Trade Center was unclear. The level of shock can only be compared to the day John F. Kennedy was shot. Radios and televisions were on non-stop. Not much work got accomplished in our office.