Where Were You When This Happened?

Today, December 7, 1941, was marked as a "Day of Infamy" by then President of the United States of America Franklin Delano Roosevelt. And although the event took place 80 years ago, there are some that can remember exactly where there were when they heard the news.

More recently, 911 was another national tragedy that almost everyone can recall where they were at what they were doing the moment they heard about the devastation.  I remember getting ready to head out to work and for some reason that day I had the television on when it all happened. At the time I worked for a news talk radio station and it was one of the most mind-numbing days, weeks, months of my life.

We all experience life. The good and the bad and right here in Western New York we have had our share of happiness and heartache. From natural events like floods, snowstorms, and tornadoes, to true times of chaos and carnage like fires, explosions, and crashes.

Some of these events I remember vividly, others were made aware by co-workers because it definitely had a profound effect on them. So, where were you when?

The Blizzard of 1977: I was seven years old at the time so for me, it was more about playing in the snow, not really understanding the severity of the snow.

The Cheektowaga Tornado of 1987: I lived in Cheektowaga, about 2-3 miles from where it touched down, and was playing outside when my brother noticed it on the horizon. My mother came out and quickly escorted us to the basement.

The Buffalo Propane Explosion of 1983: Seven people including five firefighters perished when a propane take was dropped.

The Colgan Air Flight 3407 2009: This was unbelievable for me. I was at a friend’s house and my dad was scheduled to fly back from Atlanta that day. I was watching the news when the story broke and I freaked out.

For more tragedies that happened in Upstate New York click NYUP.com 

Life happens fast and you never know when an earth-shattering event will take place at any given time, changing people forever. Make the most of every day. Tell your loved ones that you do love them and do your best to make the people around you smile.