After I heard the news, I raced to Times Square to see the reaction. Hundreds of people, natives and tourists alike, gathered in front of the New York Police Department to chant “U-S-A!” Later, a fire truck arrived, and several firefighters posed for cameras on top of their truck.
The actor Rob Lowe suddenly appeared and hopped on top of the truck to snap photos with the firemen. Meanwhile, we spectators on the ground sang “The Star-Spangled Banner” and “God Bless America.” (Some tourists from Montana told me I should join a glee club.) Everyone was anxious to take a photo — to grab a piece of the moment.
And what a moment it was.