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On September 11, 2001, four commercial airlines were hijacked by Islamic terrorists and members of the Al Queda terrorist network. Each of these airliners were given specific high profile targets in the United States and each airlines was complimented by 5 or 6 Al Queda hijackers.
Rather than fill the airplanes with explosives, each flight was selected because of its large fuel tanks and long, transcontinental flight plans departing from the east coast and heading west. The first two airliners hit New York Cityīs World Trade Center towers just as the workday began. As the world watched the first tower burn, the second airliner hit the second tower. Debris and flames were everywhere as civilians raced to escape the disaster and firefighters and police raced towards the towers to try to save more lives. Unbelievably, within a couple of hours, both towers and surrounding structures collapsed like deadly accordians to the ground creating a 7 story tall pile of rubble.
The third hijacked aircraft collided into the Pentagon in northern Virginia killing many more civilians and military personnel. Unlike the three others, the fourth aircraft wasnīt hijacked until sometime later when the flight was over eastern Ohio. This critical delay in hijacking allowed passengers to gather information (mainly via cellular phone calls) and formulate a plan. With the horrific news of the other three suicide missions, the passengers apparently seized the hijackers ultimately bringing down the plane in a fireball in rural western Pennsylvania. Although we donīt really know what happened, one passenger was overheard saying "Letīs Roll" just before the plane crashed. These brave passengers possibly saved thousands more of American lives through their selfless, courageous retaliation.
All told, almost 3,000 innocent Americans, Americans from over 60 different nations, of all colors, creeds, and religions, were killed. This unexpected attack by a clandestine enemy is the worst "wartime" attack on American soil in history even more so than Pearl Harbor. In memory of the brave firefighters, police officers, office workers, rescue workers, airline employees, and passengers, President George Bush Jr. signed this holiday into the public record on December 18, 2001.
In connection with the signing of this legislation, Americans are encouraged to fly their flags at half mast and engage in a moment of silence. We should also remember the survivors of this attack, not only those who were present but also the family and friends of those lost. |
