Early morning, September 11, 2001, one of the most shocking events of American history occurred when, in an act of terrorism, four commercial jets were hijacked and intentionally crashed. Two jets crashed into the World Trade Centers, the third was plowed into the Pentagon, and the fourth crash landed in a field in Pennsylvania. There were no survivors from any of the flights. Over 3,000 people lost their lives that day, including more than 350 firemen and over 50 police officers. They died trying to save and rescue others as the World Trade Centers collapsed. People today are still suffering from lung disease due to the smoke and dust that resulted from the collapse of the World Trade Centers.
The 9th anniversary of September 11th was last Saturday. President Barack Obama gave a speech at the Pentagon and at 8:46 a.m., the time the airplanes hit the World Trade Centers, he had a moment of silence to respect those who lost their lives that day. Vice President Joe Biden attended a service in New York City, while First Lady Michelle Obama attended a service in Pennsylvania. Memorial ceremonies and prayer services were held not only in the states where the jets crashed, but also across the whole United States in remembrance of the victims and their families.
A permanent memorial at the site of the World Trade Center is under construction, which officials say should be completed by next year. It will include two waterfalls marking where the two buildings once stood. A new world trade center is also under construction, scheduled to open in 2013.
Everyone remembers what they were doing and where they were that early September morning. It changed America forever. Everyone in some way or another was affected by it. Many still mourn the loss of loved ones and friends. September 11, 2001 is a day we will never forget.
By Elizabeth Farwell
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