Carol Fisher-Linn
Echoes of 911, may we always hear them…
Twenty-two years ago, on September 11, 2001 life changed for all Americans. Any American alive at that time would have been affected by the 9/11 terrorist attacks in one way or another. Further, anyone reading this today, no matter how young, has forever been impacted. To young people, it’s part of a history lesson, but for those of us who were involved, or watched the day unfold in real time, it is stamped in our hearts and minds forever. Please, allow me to review for you.
The day was incredibly beautiful for a September day. Clear, brilliant blue sky … one could see forever. What we could not foresee is how our country would change before the morning events concluded. At 7:59am the first of four airplanes took off (all late – would that have mattered?) only to all be hijacked midair and rerouted. My alarm goes off every September 11th at 8:46am marking the first crash of Flight 11 into the North Tower of 1 World Trade Center. We watched, we prayed, we were certain it was a terrible accident – after all, this was America, what else could it have been? Our faith and hopes as Americans were shattered at 9:03am when flight 175 crashed into the South Tower. “Moments after the second plane crashed into the World Trade Center’s South Tower at 9:03am, it became clear America was under attack.” (history.com) By 9:23am Flight 93 was hijacked; at 9:37am Flight 77 crashed into the Pentagon. When would it stop? We cried, terrified, as one. The most critical questions were how many more planes were hijacked. And what to do? National archives.gov gives us this information: “Shortly after a third hijacked plane struck the Pentagon at 9:37am the FAA began the first ever unplanned shutdown of US airspace, ordering all aircraft to land at the nearest airport as soon as practical (9:42am). At this time, there were more than 4,500 aircraft in the air. At 11:06am, the FAA issued Advisory 036, which suspended operations in the National Airspace System.” By 12:16pm, American airspace was clear of all commercial and private flights. Imagine this, young readers: An order was issued to shoot down any private passenger airliners still in the air. In America! Meanwhile, the news traveled and passengers on Flight 93 revolted heroically, but futilely, as they moved against the hijackers. “Let’s roll,” took on new meaning. At 10:07am, that plane crashed in Shanksville, PA. Later reports say it was heading to the Capital or the White House. The final blow came at 5:20pm when the 47-story, 7 World Trade Center collapsed.
It’s time to relive these events, or learn of them for the first time, so we never, ever forget that our homeland was attacked by terrorists. Thankfully, policies were put in place (many which annoy us, until we remember why) but it’s critical to realize that its effects are ongoing. It was not only the single deadliest terror attack in human history, (2977 Americans/visitors and 19 hijackers), it was also the deadliest for firefighter, law enforcement officers and civilians living and working in the area in the aftermath as well. (History.com)
Every September 11th, ceremonies take place and names are read, including those 1106 persons whose remains have yet to be identified. But they don’t include those untold victims. NBCNews.com in September 2021 had this to say: “The after-effects continue to be felt by those who stepped up and helped to clear the rubble of the downed towers. More than half of the 105,000 [now 126,000] people enrolled in the WTC Health Program have developed 9/11-related illnesses, The City News organization reported.” Perhaps even someone you know?
So, do you honor this day? If so, how? You can watch the news or UTube or repeat the story and your reactions to others. We must never forget history, or it opens the door for a repeat. Go online and donate to foundations like Fealgood Foundation (https://fealgoodfoundation.com). Buy their socks. If you are too young to remember, consider what Grace Doerfler says in Americanmagazine.org. She was two in 2001. “I have no memories of a United States unmarked by terrorism.” … “Passing on what we know and feel about this chapter in American history—not letting our loved ones’ stories disappear—is a sacred task.” Never forget 9/11. Ask yourselves this: Are we the same Americans we were immediately following 9/11? Perhaps something to strive toward once again?