By Brianna Brinker, Staff Writer
September 11th, 2024 marks the twenty-third anniversary of the tragic terrorist attacks commonly known as 9/11. This day holds a special place in all our hearts, as some of us know about it through heartbreaking stories, while for others, it takes them back to a terrifying day in their lives that they will never forget. We remember this day for the people who lost their lives, for the people who fought to live, who fought to save others, and for the people who lost loved ones.
September 11th, 2001, started as an average day in New York City. People were headed to work, kids were headed to school, and people were headed on flights. The people walking into the Twin Towers for the workday ahead of them had no idea what was to come. It was 8:46 AM when the first plane hit floors 93-99 in the World Trade Center’s North Tower.
Airforce Veteran, Richard Judd says “I was watching the news while getting ready to leave for my flight to Washington DC, and suddenly, I saw these planes coming towards the Twin Towers in New York City. I thought it was going to be another WW III.”
There were 33 passengers, 7 crew members, and 4 hijackers on board the hijacked plane. Everyone died instantly. These innocent passengers never got to breathe again, and never got to say goodbye to their loved ones. As for the people in the tower, some died instantly, while others began fighting for their lives.
Around 20 minutes later, the second plane hit the South Twin Tower.
30 minutes later, another plane crashed into the Pentagon in Washington DC.
Police, firemen, and paramedics did everything they could and risked their lives by going in and saving people from death. Hundreds of service members died while trying to help others in the Twin Towers. Nearly 3,000 people died on this day.
U.S. Navy Veteran and Saint Leo Professor alumni, Jennifer Harman remembers exactly what she was doing on this day, “I woke up to my phone ringing – it was my friend Mike.” Mike’s family lived in New York City, and he called Harman upset and anxious. He told Harman to turn on the TV. “As we turned on the TV, one tower was already billowing smoke when we saw something fly around from behind it and slice right through the other tower.”
“I was dumbfounded and couldn’t even process what I was watching.”
Mike asked Harman if she could drive him to NYC since the airports were closed.
“He got in the car, and we just drove, listening to it being reported on the radio. I felt numb, confused, and powerless. I wanted to help comfort my friend. I remember it was his birthday the next day, but there was no celebrating.”
According to the article, “Council on Foreign Relations”, the events of September 11, 2001, set in motion sweeping changes to U.S. intelligence and counterterrorism practices, launched two major wars, and altered Americans’ daily routines.”
Professor of First Year Experience at Saint Leo University, Dr. Tasha Chambers, lived in New York City at the time of the attack and shared her experience.
“The events of 9/11 in 2001 are forever etched in my memory as a tragic day that changed everything. I was seven months pregnant with my daughter and had just arrived at work in Hollis, Queens, at Public School 15Q, where I was a technology instructor and paraprofessional. From the third floor, on clear days, you could see the Twin Towers.”
“The custodian came in, looking concerned. He had heard on his Walkman that there was an accident involving a helicopter crashing into one of the buildings in Manhattan. I managed to access a website, and we saw an image of a massive fireball bursting from the side of one of the towers. We both knew then that it wasn’t a helicopter.”
“The principal instructed us to keep the day as normal as possible for the students, but the tension was undeniable. During a break between classes, I checked the internet again and saw that a second plane had crashed into the other tower. It was at that moment I realized our city was under attack.”
“The images of that day—the faces of those watching in horror, the devastation, and the bravery—will never leave me. I sat in silence, overwhelmed, and prayed that my daughter would stay safe inside me a little longer. It was a surreal feeling, as if a disaster movie had come to life.”
Two decades have passed since this horrifying date, and a review of U.S. public opinion revealed how a badly shaken nation came together, in a spirit of patriotism and sadness, says Pew Research Center.
Professor of Political Science, Dr. Rimanelli, says “The “9/11” Islamic Terrorist Attack of 11 September 2001 by Osama bin-Laden’s group, Al Qaeda, was the worst surprise attack on the soil of the United States since Imperial Japan’s 6 December 1941 surprise attack on the U.S. naval base of Pearl Harbor in Hawai’i. The impact of September 11, 2001, fostered a sense of vulnerability at home for America as the sole global Superpower, followed by a long combat strategy to destroy Al Qaeda‘s global Islamic terrorist network and in the process defeat also its protector, the Taliban Islamic Terrorist state in Afghanistan.”
The attacks that happened on 9/11 impacted people all over the world. Lots of people lost their loved ones, husbands lost their wives, Children lost their parents. This greatly impacts a person’s life. We remember and pray for those who lose their family or friends. 9/11 was a shock to all who were alive to witness it. It impacts us today as it led us to realize we need to all fight against those who commit acts of terrorism.
Now, the U.S. government has developed a security framework to ensure that all Americans feel safe and protected.
As you go about your day on September 11th, take time to have a moment of silence or say a prayer for those impacted by this tragic event. We will always remember the ones who fought for their lives and lost their lives.
1 Comment
I think we all remember what we were doing that terrible day. The saddest day in American history when the United States went silent . Great article remembering the special people that were impacted by this day of f Sept 11. !