September 11, 2001 is a date no American should forget. The events of that day were so shocking. Terrorism on our shores on a scale so grand it was hard to comprehend. In the United States, we feel secure knowing horrendous activities such as these are usually detected BEFORE they happen. Many, many people lost their lives on that day. I was with my mom when it happened and we just stood shoulder to shoulder watching the TV in disbelief and weeping later in the day as the numbers kept pouring in of how many had lost their lives. My mom said, "Oh, my God, it must be the beginning of the end of the world!" Do you know how many people lost their lives that day?
- 19 terrorists
- 2,966 victims
All but 13 people died on that day. The remaining 13 later died of their wounds. One person has died since the attacks, of lung cancer. It is suspected to have been caused by all the debris from the Twin Towers.
There were 266 people on the four planes:
- American Airlines Flight 11 (crashed into the WTC): 92 (including five terrorists)
- United Airlines Flight 175 (crashed into the WTC): 65 (including five terrorists)
- American Airlines Flight 77 (crashed into the Pentagon: 64 (including five terrorists)
- United Flight 93 (downed in Shanksville, PA): 45 (including four terrorists)
There were 2,595 people in the World Trade Center and near it, including:
- 343 NYFD firefighters and paramedics
- 23 NYPD police officers
- 37 Port Authority police officers
- 1,402 people in Tower 1
- 614 people in Tower 2
- 658 people at one company, Cantor Fitzgerald
- 1,762 New York residents
- 674 New Jersey residents
- 1 NYFD firefighter killed by a man jumping off the top floors of the twin towers
There were 125 civilians and military personnel at the Pentagon.
1,609 people lost a spouse or partner on 9/11. More than 3,051 children lost parents.
While there were mostly Americans killed in this horrific attack one must mention (how ever small the group) that non survivors were from other countries:
327 foreign nationals also perished.
Statistics don't state how many lives were forever changed by the absence of those who died that day and in the following weeks. Those that lost their lives were mothers, fathers, sons and daughters, sisters and brothers and friends. If any of you have lost family members, you KNOW the devastating loss these families have gone through over the last 7 years. My heart goes out to all suffering losses on that sad day.
September 11, 2001 began the "Loss of Innocence" for the United States. It's going to be very important to all who live in the United States to "watch our back" from now on. Report any suspect behavior. Comply willingly with laws instituted to help detect terrorism on airlines. Support those who are in the military keeping "the peace" in foreign countries; even if you don't agree they should be there they need our love and support. Have you ever thought of sending a care package or letter or card to voice that support? Here is a good place to start.
Take time today to pray for those whose lives were lost that day, for those who are left with that loss and for the continued strength of a Nation that was dealt this blow. Watch this poignant piece about the collapse of the World Trade Center by Margaret Fabrizio, Dream Collapse.
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