Twenty-four years ago today, evil terrorists thought they could break the spirit of America. They were dead wrong. On September 11, 2001, nineteen cowards from al-Qaeda hijacked four American planes and murdered 2,977 innocent people in the most devastating attack on our homeland since Pearl Harbor.
At 8:46 that morning, American Airlines Flight 11 slammed into the North Tower of the World Trade Center. Seventeen minutes later, millions of Americans watched in horror as United Airlines Flight 175 struck the South Tower on live television. The images are burned into our hearts forever.
But the attacks did not stop there. At 9:37, another hijacked plane crashed into the Pentagon, the heart of our nation’s defense. These Islamic extremists wanted to destroy everything we hold dear about America and freedom.
The fourth plane never reached its target thanks to real American heroes. The brave passengers of Flight 93 fought back against the terrorists and crashed the plane into a Pennsylvania field. They saved countless lives in Washington by sacrificing their own.
In those darkest hours, we saw the very best of America shine through. Firefighters and police officers ran into burning buildings while everyone else ran out. These heroes saved hundreds of lives before the towers collapsed, and 441 first responders gave everything for their fellow Americans.
President Bush stood strong that day and promised to hunt down those responsible. He reminded us that America does not bow to terrorists or anyone else. We fight back, we defend freedom, and we never forget those who try to hurt us.
The attacks were meant to divide us, but they made us stronger. Americans of every background came together as one people under God. We put aside our differences and remembered what makes this nation great.
Today we honor every soul lost that terrible day and every hero who answered the call. Their sacrifice reminds us that freedom is never free, and America will always stand tall against those who threaten our way of life.
