I will never forget that on this day eighteen years ago, 19 Islamic terrorists perpetrated evil and violence against our nation. They hijacked four planes and flew two of them into the World Trade Center twin towers in New York City, and one into The Pentagon, the headquarters of Department of Defense, in Washington DC. The fourth plane which was believed to be heading for the White House, crashed in Shanksville, Pennsylvania, after the passengers tried to regain control of the plane from the hijackers. A total of 2,996 lives were killed in this heinous attack, including the 19 suicide terrorists.
When people say “never forget,” it’s important to remember the key facts of this date that reshaped this country to what it is today.
I will never forget the victims and their families, the courageous first responders, Fr. Mychal Judge, Todd Beamer, and other heroes of that day. I will never forget the horror, chaos, and tragedy of that day. I pray for peace and justice, unity and healing.
Here’s the President’s Address to the Nation that evening. This too I will never forget.
September 11, 2001
Good evening. Today our fellow citizens, our way of life, our very freedom came under attack in a series of deliberate and deadly terrorist acts. The victims were in airplanes or in their offices: secretaries, business men and women, military and Federal workers, moms and dads, friends and neighbors. Thousands of lives were suddenly ended by evil, despicable acts of terror.
The pictures of airplanes flying into buildings, fires burning, huge structures collapsing have filled us with disbelief, terrible sadness, and a quiet, unyielding anger. These acts of mass murder were intended to frighten our Nation into chaos and retreat, but they have failed. Our country is strong.
A great people has been moved to defend a great nation. Terrorist attacks can shake the foundations of our biggest buildings, but they cannot touch the foundation of America. These acts shattered steel, but they cannot dent the steel of American resolve. America was targeted for attack because we’re the brightest beacon for freedom and opportunity in the world. And no one will keep that light from shining.
Today our Nation saw evil, the very worst of human nature. And we responded with the best of America, with the daring of our rescueworkers, with the caring for strangers and neighbors who came to give blood and help in any way they could.
Immediately following the first attack, I implemented our Government’s emergency response plans. Our military is powerful, and it’s prepared. Our emergency teams are working in New York City and Washington, DC, to help with local rescue efforts.
Our first priority is to get help to those who have been injured and to take every precaution to protect our citizens at home and around the world from further attacks.
The functions of our Government continue without interruption. Federal agencies in Washington which had to be evacuated today are reopening for essential personnel tonight and will be open for business tomorrow. Our financial institutions remain strong, and the American economy will be open for business as well.
The search is underway for those who are behind these evil acts. I’ve directed the full resources of our intelligence and law enforcement communities to find those responsible and to bring them to justice. We will make no distinction between the terrorists who committed these acts and those who harbor them.
I appreciate so very much the Members of Congress who have joined me in strongly condemning these attacks. And on behalf of the American people, I thank the many world leaders who have called to offer their condolences and assistance.
America and our friends and allies join with all those who want peace and security in the world, and we stand together to win the war against terrorism.
Tonight I ask for your prayers for all those who grieve, for the children whose worlds have been shattered, for all whose sense of safety and security has been threatened. And I pray they will be comforted by a power greater than any of us, spoken through the ages in Psalm 23: “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil, for You are with me.”
This is a day when all Americans from every walk of life unite in our resolve for justice and peace. America has stood down enemies before, and we will do so this time. None of us will ever forget this day. Yet, we go forward to defend freedom and all that is good and just in our world.
-George W. Bush
I don’t think anyone can forget that day. I still remember what I was doing when I first heard the news and fought through my daily routine which seemed all too surreal. I held my babies longer that day. My brother was on business in the US that day and his plane was grounded in the aftermath so it hit close to home. My folks were desperately trying to get news of him and we were relieved to get a text saying he was fine even though he didn’t know when he would get home. But that didn’t matter. He was alive and countless others were not. 😢
I will never forget the look of fear, pain and sorrow in everyone that day. Hubby (bf then) woke me up with his call from Italy to say America was under attack. I was like what attack? I turned on the TV and it was surreal. I had tears watching the horror of it all and I still have tears and goosebumps now watching it in remembrance.
The whole world stood still that day and the following days. I will continue to remember it, the people who died, who helped, who was courageous and the ones left behind.