Today marks the 19th anniversary of September 11, 2001. This will be a day I will never forget.
Al-Qaeda, an Islamic terrorist group, hijacked four different planes going to different destinations around the United States.
I was getting ready to walk to the bus stop for school, I was in sixth grade, when images of the first World Trade Center tower emerged on the news. I watched as the second plane crashed into the second tower. It was devastating to watch and I could only imagine how the people of New York City felt as they saw it happen in person.
The third plane hit the western side of the Pentagon causing it to collapse and the fourth plane, believed to be headed towards Washington D.C., passengers fought off the hijackers causing the plane to crash into a field in Pennsylvania.
A total of 2,996 people from 78 different countries died on this day. This includes the 19 terrorists, 343 firefighters, and 60 police officers. Learn more here
Once I got to school everyone had already learned of the devastation happening on the East coast. Instead of school work in all my sixth grade classes we watched the news, teachers spoke of what was happening, and people stayed close to one another as no one knew what was going to happen next or where. As an 11 year old I did not know everything that was going on nor did I understand everything that was going on.
George W. Bush, the President during the attacks, addressed the Nation that evening, “Terrorist attacks can shake the foundations of our biggest buildings, but they cannot touch the foundations fo America.”
The next few weeks to months all I can remember is everyone in America coming together and being patriotic. the American flag was raised on nearly ever building, porch, or car with pride.
I would be interested to hear what Geoffrey remembers. I was the Director of the CDC in Vilseck – it was afternoon Germany time when this happened. Parents were on lockdown so we stayed open late – (actually ordered pizza for dinner from the food court for all the children in the center!) I had both kids come to the CDC rather than going home alone.
I remember being in 3rd grade and we were told to gather round in circle and that we would be going home and my Aunt coming to pick me up. It’s definitely a day you never forget ❤️