I know every year on this date, I write about the events that occurred in 2001, but I think it’s important. The phrase “never forger” has become synonymous with September 11 — we should never forget what happened and do our best to ensure that it never happens again…..
On September 11, 2001, terrorists linked to the Islamic extremist group al Qaeda, founded by Osama bin Laden, hijacked four commercial passenger planes and carried out suicide attacks against targets in the United States. Two of the planes were flown into the World Trade Center in New York City. A third plane hit the Pentagon in Arlington, Virginia and the passengers and crew of the fourth plane fought back, and the plane was downed in a field near Shanksville, Pennsylvania.
Almost 3,000 people were killed in the 9/11 terrorist attacks, including the 19 al Qaeda terrorists. The President, George W. Bush, and his administration responded by declaring a “war or terrorism,” that included the creation of the Department of Homeland Security, and led to the invasion of Afghanistan.
Citizens of 78 countries died in New York, Washington, D.C., and Pennsylvania.
On December 18, 2001, Congress approved naming September 11 “Patriot Day” to commemorate the anniversary of the 9/11 attacks. In 2009, Congress named September 11 a National Day of Service and Remembrance.
On the first anniversary of the attacks in New York City, two bright columns of light were shot up into the sky from where the Twin Towers once stood. The “Tribute in Light” then became an annual installation run by the Municipal Art Society of New Your. On clear nights, the beams are visible from over 60 miles away.
So today is one of those days that are etched in all our memories — a day we can never forget. Maybe President Obama said it best….”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.”
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