Like most of you, my mind isn't on today.

It's on a day five years ago -- a day that stands alone among the thousands I have worked during my career.

As the first tower burned on Sept. 11, 2001, I stood, transfixed, watching the coverage on our newsroom televisions. At the time, none of us knew for sure what was happening.

When the second plane hit, it became clear.

And it also became clear that it was not time to stand around.

I hopped into one of the Erie Times-News' maroon Dodge Neons and sped up West 12th Street to the airport, where I spent my morning talking to distraught travelers and reported on the chaotic scene at Erie International.

I can still picture the passengers who were gathered around the television in the waiting area. I can still see the tears and anxiety on the faces of those who were watching history unfold. I can easily recall the rush of people who were trying to grab rental cars and call loved ones to make alternative travel plans.

I walked out of the nearly empty airport late that morning and raced back to the office to crank out a story for the extra edition we were putting out. It might be the last-ever "Extra" to be published in this town. It was a surreal experience -- pushing out a story under a tight dealing and taking calls from other reporters in the field who were phoning in reports on what they were seeing and hearing.

I can't remember what I wrote that morning, nor can I remember what I wrote that evening, when it was time to file a fresh batch of stories for the next morning's paper.

But I can clearly remember so many details about that day -- and what that far-away event meant to people here in Erie.

And I'm transfixed by today's coverage of the anniversary. The images and emotions still seem so raw and poignant.

We've devoted a corner of GoErie.com to the Sept. 11 anniversary. Our coverage includes archived stories from 2001, reader recollections, photo galleries, historic front pages -- and much more. It's a lot to read. But if you're in a reflective mood today, I know it will be worth your time.