Today marks the 20th anniversary of 9/11, a day the world stood still. We always will honor and remember those tragically lost in the 9/11 attacks and salute all first responders who went above and beyond for our great nation and who continue to do so every day.
During the attacks in 2001, 2,996 people were killed, 19 hijackers committed murder–suicide, and more than 6,000 others were injured. Of those who perished during the initial attacks and the subsequent collapses of the Towers, 343 were New York City firefighters, 23 were New York City police officers and 37 were officers at the Port Authority. The victims ranged in age from two to 85 years. Approximately 75-80% of the victims were men.
At the Pentagon in Washington, 184 people were killed when hijacked American Airlines Flight 77 crashed into the building.
Near Shanksville, Pennsylvania, 40 passengers and crew members aboard United Airlines Flight 93 died when the plane crashed into a field. It is believed that the hijackers crashed the plane in that location, rather than their unknown target, after the passengers and crew attempted to retake control of the flight deck.
Every picture, video or eye witness report from that tragic day brings back tears. Seeing the faces of firefighters, ordinary business men staring in disbelief at the burning World Trade Centers will forever be seared in to my mind.
Where have you been that tragic day? I just arrived in the US a few days prior, watching in horror the events unfold on TV while babysitting, not really comprehending what that may mean. I will forever remember this day but also the next days/ months that came after that as the empathy, unity and public patriotism was striking and comforting. We all were Americans grieving the losses, frightened what else may come, turning to each for a hug and not caring what race, skin color, sexual orientation, political view or religion one held.
