The events of September 11, 2001, are forever etched into the hearts and souls of the family members and loved ones of those who died, our nation, and the world. The United States experienced the worst incident of terrorism in its history. The coordinated hijacking of four commercial airliners, the planned attack on symbolic targets, and the murder of innocent people were all tragic and shocking events. The extraordinary responses of individuals to the challenges they faced are inspiring and worthy of remembrance.
On that day, two commercial airliners, American Airlines Flight 11, carrying 87 passengers and crew, and United Airlines Flight 175, carrying 60 passengers and crew, were hijacked shortly after departure from Boston. Both planes were deliberately flown into the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center in New York City, resulting in the loss of all on board and 2,601 occupants of the two buildings, rescue workers, and bystanders. A third plane, United Airlines Flight 93, was hijacked and crashed into a wooded area in Somerset County, Pennsylvania, killing all 33 passengers, 7 crew members, and the 4 hijackers.
The fourth plane, American Airlines Flight 77, was taken hostage by terrorists after its departure from Washington Dulles Airport, and used to attack the Pentagon – our nation’s military headquarters. 184 lives were lost at the Pentagon on that terrible day. They were men, women, and children. They were mothers and fathers, husbands and wives, sisters and brothers, daughters and sons. They came from all walks of life – administrative assistants, doctors, educators, flight crew members, military leaders, scientists, and students. They came from towns and cities, large and small, across the United States and around the world. The youngest was only three; the oldest seventy-one. Despite the differences that distinguish them, these innocent individuals are united through the horrific events that unfolded on one of the darkest days in America’s history.
The physical damage to the Pentagon was rebuilt in less than one year, but these attacks changed our world forever.
