Meaning: The quote you've shared is a poignant and personal reflection on the events of September 11, 2001. It was spoken by Ted Olson, a prominent American lawyer and conservative figure, who at the time served as the United States Solicitor General under President George W. Bush.

On that fateful morning, Olson's wife, Barbara Olson, was a passenger on American Airlines Flight 77, which was hijacked by terrorists and ultimately crashed into the Pentagon. The quote captures the profound shock and disbelief that reverberated across the nation as news of the devastating attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon unfolded.

In the first part of the quote, Olson reveals that his wife had taken off on a plane, likely a reference to Barbara's departure from Washington, D.C. on her way to Los Angeles. This detail sets the stage for the sudden and tragic turn of events that would soon unfold.

The subsequent revelation that two airplanes had crashed into the World Trade Center underscores the scale and horror of the coordinated terrorist attacks. The impact of these events was not limited to those directly involved; it had a profound effect on the collective psyche of the nation and the world.

The quote conveys Olson's personal experience of the unfolding tragedy, highlighting his initial emotional response. He acknowledges feeling "potentially devastated, panicky a little bit," effectively capturing the sense of vulnerability and uncertainty that gripped many individuals in the immediate aftermath of the attacks.

These words offer a glimpse into the raw and unfiltered emotional turmoil experienced by countless people as they grappled with the shock and horror of the unprecedented acts of violence and destruction. Olson's candid expression of his emotional state serves as a reminder of the deeply human impact of such catastrophic events.

In the broader context, the events of September 11, 2001, had far-reaching consequences that reshaped geopolitical dynamics, security policies, and societal attitudes. The attacks prompted a global outpouring of grief and solidarity, while also giving rise to complex and enduring challenges related to national security and counterterrorism efforts.

The quote by Ted Olson stands as a testament to the deeply personal and profound impact of the September 11 attacks. It serves as a poignant reminder of the human toll of that tragic day and the resilience and strength demonstrated by individuals and communities in the face of adversity.

In conclusion, the quote encapsulates the initial shock, disbelief, and emotional turmoil experienced by Ted Olson and countless others in the wake of the September 11 attacks. It offers a window into the deeply personal impact of the events that unfolded on that tragic day, while also reflecting the broader implications and enduring significance of this pivotal moment in history.