9/11 Tribute

By Olivia Viana

22 years ago, on September 11th, 2001, the world changed forever. Nearly 3000 lives were claimed in the horrifying attacks by terrorist group al-Qaeda. Over 400 of those deaths were first responders who rushed into danger as the others fled the terrifying scene behind them. Those first responders selflessly risked their lives for countless others. As the world stood still and held its breath to see what would happen next, our nation witnessed the utter bravery and might of the first responders jumping into action. Although September 11th, 2001, was devastating to the world, it united us unlike anything before.

That fateful day started as an average Tuesday morning in early fall. But the crystal clear sky would soon become filled with smoke and debris. The morning began when American Airlines flight 11 took off at 8 a.m. for its journey from Boston to Los Angeles. Within 15 minutes, officials received word that the plane had been hijacked. Half an hour after the hijacking occurred, the plane hit the north tower of the World Trade Center. The plane crashed through floors 93-99, blocking all staircases and exits above the 91st floor. The half-hour following the first plane crash was chaos. The smell of smoke and debris filled the atmosphere while emotions of fear, confusion, and panic rang in the air. Then, before people could fully process what had happened at 9:03, just over half an hour after the first plane hit, United Airlines Flight 175 crashed into the south tower of the World Trade Center. At that moment, the world knew this was not an accident. Throughout the rest of the events of the day, more chaos and tragedy occurred. Two more planes went down: one into the Pentagon and the other taken down by brave passengers in Pennsylvania. The last plane crashed at 10:03 that morning, only an hour and a half after the first plane hit the north tower. In just over an hour, the world was changed forever. Every person old enough to remember can tell you where they were that day. It didn't matter where you were from or what you believed in, this tragedy struck every person directly in the heart. For a moment, the world united under the immense grief caused by the disasters.

Today, where the towers once stood 22 years ago, there are now two reflecting pools with the victims' names surrounding them to ensure that the world never forgets what happened that fateful day. The resilience shown by the survivors is an inspiration to people around the world. In the 22 years since this horrible day, we recognize the fallen and honor the survivors. We reflect on this event and use it to inspire us to work towards a more peaceful and united world.