It's hard to believe that it was 19 years ago, given that the shattering experience of that day and its aftermath are still so deeply embedded in our consciousness. And even as we struggle to withstand countless new crises and difficulties, we pause to remember the devastating attacks of 9/11/2001.

Our original report is excerpted below; you'll find the complete story here. A harrowing firsthand account from publicist and old friend Brian Bumbery is here.

The unprecedented, impossibly devastating attack on New York’s World Trade Center and the Pentagon stopped everyone in their tracks early Tuesday, as the destruction of both WTC towers and their occupants by hijacked commercial jets was broadcast on national television. The stun effect has continued through the day, with most entertainment companies closing at least for the day as businesses and the nation as a whole struggle to cope with the tragedy.

All record companies and movie studios are said to be closed in L.A. as well as New York. Companies whose closure has been confirmed include Universal Music Group, Sony Music Entertainment, EMI, RCA, Elektra, Sony Distribution, Detroit retail chain Harmony House and retailer Borders Books & Music’s headquarters in Ann Arbor, MI. Musicland has closed its Arlington City Center store across from the Pentagon. Best Buy has closed some 23 stores in New York, Maryland and Virginia. All TransWorld FYE stores will be closing at 5 p.m. today. Hollywood studios including Disney, Fox, Paramount and Warner Bros. are also confirmed closed.

According to insiders, the Sam Goody retail outlet in the World Trade Center was successfully evacuated, with all employees accounted for, before the store was destroyed.

MTV has suspended broadcast and is airing sister Viacom unit CBS’s news coverage.

High-profile events have been cancelled, including tonight’s Latin Grammy Awards, which had recently been moved to Los Angeles from Miami. NARAS and CBS issued the following joint statement: "Due to the unimaginable events that have occurred this morning, The National Academy of Recording Arts & Sciences, The Latin Academy of Recording Arts & Sciences and CBS have canceled tonight's 2nd Annual Latin Grammy Awards show. Our heartfelt thoughts and prayers go out to the victims, their families and everyone who has been impacted by these horrific events."

The National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences has postponed Sunday’s Emmys and all Emmy-related events this week. The 53rdAwards show was scheduled to air live on CBS from the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles.

NARM has cancelled its Fall Conference. The three-day event was scheduled to kick off tomorrow in Bal Harbor, FL. NARM EVP Jim Donio said that some 50 attendees were already at the site for Retailer Council and Board of Directors meetings. Donio also said that a number of people were in the air en route to Florida as the tragedy struck, including Newbury Comics founder Mike Dreese, who was able to land in Miami, and NARM staffers Pat Daly and Jim Hrobak, who were diverted to Charlotte without incident. According to sources at Musicland, Dick Odette was diverted to Memphis and was en route via rental car back to ML headquarters in Minneapolis. Donio said that there is currently no plan to reschedule the conference, but that a meeting of the Executive Committee would take place tomorrow and attempt to sort things out.

In Los Angeles, Madonna’s concert tonight at Staples Center has been postponed, as has the Black Crowes show at the Greek Theatre. Ticket holders will be advised at a later date whether the shows will be rescheduled. Of the Madonna postponement, Clear Channel issued the following statement "Clear Channel Entertainment has postponed the Madonna performance originally scheduled at the Staples Center tonight. The decision to reschedule the event was made in conjunction with local authorities and the artist. The decision was made out of respect for the victims of the nationwide tragedy taking place."