9/11/2001 Never Forget

 

On Sept. 11, 2001, America was changed forever. The attacks on the World Trade Center was an unforgettable time in U.S. history. Nineteen years later we can still envision the tragic event that claimed the lives of nearly 3,000 people and served as a true test of the American spirit. It will be remembered always.

 

On the morning of Tuesday, September 11, 2001, hijackers on American Airlines Flight 11 hit the North Tower of the World Trade Center at 8:46 a.m., killing everyone on board and hundreds of people inside the building. It was initially viewed as an accident until, just a little over 15 minutes later at 9:03 a.m., hijackers crashed United Airlines Flight 175 into the South Tower, killing those on board and several hundred inside the building.

 

At 9:31 a.m., President George W. Bush addressed the American people in a briefing from Booker Elementary School in Sarasota, FL, where he was visiting at the time of the attacks. He announced that the tragedy that occurred in New York City was "an apparent terrorist attack on our country."

 

Just a few minutes after Bush's speech, hijackers abroad American Airlines Flight 77 crash into the outer wall between the first and second floor of the Pentagon, killing all 59 passengers and 125 employees in the building. A fourth aircraft, United Airlines Flight 93, crashed into an open field at 10:03 a.m. in Somerset County, Pennsylvania after the 33 passengers aboard the plane staged an uprising against the hijackers.

 

In a national address later that night, Bush called the attacks "evil, despicable acts of terror," and assured Americans and allies that we would "stand together to win the war against terrorism."

 

No matter how you choose to reflect on this day, let it forever serve as a reminder of the resilience we had then, and still have now, as a nation in the face of tragedy. Today we face different challenges as we continue to battle our way through the COVID-19 pandemic, the world as we know it continues to change. So on this day, we observe Patriot Day and all that it represents—we honor the value of life, those we loved and lost, our country’s resilience, and the strength of the American spirit.

 

Here are some quotes to honor our country’s patriotism and remind us of the America spirit:

 

"Even the smallest act of service, the simplest act of kindness, is a way to honor those we lost, a way to reclaim that spirit of unity that followed 9/11." - Barack Obama

 

“The attacks of September 11th were intended to break our spirit. Instead we have emerged stronger and more unified. We feel renewed devotion to the principles of political, economic and religious freedom, the rule of law and respect for human life. We are more determined than ever to live our lives in freedom.” — Rudy Giuliani

 

“If we learn nothing else from this tragedy, we learn that life is short and there is no time for hate.” — Sandy Dahl, wife of Flight 93 pilot Jason Dahl.

 

“You can be sure that the American spirit will prevail over this tragedy.” — Colin Powell

 

“For me and my family personally, September 11 was a reminder that life is fleeting, impermanent, and uncertain. Therefore, we must make use of every moment and nurture it with affection, tenderness, beauty, creativity, and laughter.” — Deepak Chopra

 

“September 11, 2001, revealed heroism in ordinary people who might have gone through their lives never called upon to demonstrate the extent of their courage.” — Geraldine Brooks

 

“Remember the hours after Sept. 11 when we came together as one! It was the worst day we have ever seen, but it brought out the best in all of us.” — John Kerry

 

“America was not built on fear. America was built on courage, on imagination and an unbeatable determination to do the job at hand.” — Harry S. Truman

 

“September 11 impressed upon us that life is a precious gift…. And I think we all have a duty to devote at least a small portion of our daily lives to ensuring that neither America nor the world ever forgets September 11.” — Bill Frist

 

“When Americans lend a hand to one another, nothing is impossible. We’re not about what happened on 9/11. We’re about what happened on 9/12.” — Jeff Parness

 

Take time to remember. Take time to reflect on the gift of life.  Make today great.

 

Curtis