ARNOLD, Md. – On this day, many Americans and people around the world will watch the news pertaining to 9/11, however, Sgt Anderson will not. Christopher Anderson, a sergeant with the Anne Arundel County Police Department has never visited the 9/11 memorial in New York or watched the videos of that fateful day. That is because on September 11, 2001, Anderson was a Marine Corps Sergeant inside the Pentagon and has never forgotten the people who said good-bye to their families but never returned.
Anderson recalled being assigned to 8th & I and working inside the Pentagon for the Secretary of Defense as part of a joint service unit with other branches of service. However, on 9/11 he was the only Marine working that morning. He recalled listening to the radio and heard the broadcast that one of the Twin Towers in New York was struck by an airplane. In 2001, information wasn’t instantaneously available like now, he reminded. So he turned to the internet and quickly discovered another plane had hit the second Tower. His first reaction was “We are under attack.”
Anderson and another service member quickly turned to the Pentagon Police and asked if the Pentagon was being evacuated but were informed to return to their office. They were advised the situation in New York was being assessed. Anderson reported an airman went into the courtyard for a break but moments later came running into his office. “The Pentagon has been hit!” Anderson quickly went into action and took responsibility to ensure the safe evacuation of the 60 people who he was responsible for.
Anderson describes the Pentagon as a massive building, and as a result he did not feel the impact and alarms had not immediately gone off. However, he was not prepared for what he saw as he guided everyone outside. “Outside people were crying, bleeding and running. I saw a gaping hole and the thickest bellowing black smoke I have ever seen.”
The Pentagon Police were told another plane was potentially on its way to DC. As a result, Anderson assisted the police by moving the people away from the building. Once they found out the plane crashed in Pennsylvania, they turned their attention to help the wounded who were moved into the courtyard.
Anderson stayed late into the evening. He helped the wounded utilizing whatever he could use since there were no supplies, no rescue task force and no control. Anderson retrieved water from local stores to pass out and sometimes just talked to the wounded to comfort them.
Finally, late that night Anderson made it home to Anne Arundel County and to his wife. Hours after the attack he was able to get two words to her, “I’m ok” and she waited.
Anderson was honorably discharged from the Marines Corps in April 2002 and joined the Anne Arundel Police Academy the same month. Anderson contributes 9/11 to shaping as the man he is. He focuses on living a life of service and living a life full of gratitude; he came home that day when so many had not. He has been part of the SWAT Team, trained as a sniper and now is certified as an EMT technician. Officers who served next to him, on the department, describe him as “a good man.”
In 2019, Sgt. Anderson honored the memory of those lost with a march from the Annapolis WW2 memorial to the Pentagon memorial. He set out with a 40-pound pack on his back, an American flag and his memories. “The war against terrorism continues. We should never forget the sacrifice so we can sleep at night.”
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