JACKSON, MISS– On September 11, 2001, the United States endured the deadliest attack ever on American soil, which took the lives of nearly 3,000 Americans.
Each building of the World Trade Center was directly attacked with hijacked planes. The Pentagon was also attacked in similar fashion. Then, Flight 93 was taken down in a field in Shanksville, Pennsylvania after passengers fought back against the hijackers. While the intended destination is unknown, speculation surrounds that it could have been The White House, the U.S. Capitol, nuclear power plants or Camp David.
As television sets around the world tuned it to watch coverage of what was first believed to be an accidental crash into the World Trade Center, millions witnessed the second crash–and the moment that it became evident that America was under attack.
15 years later, America has not forgotten the lives lost or the severity of the attack.
“Fifteen years ago, nearly 3,000 innocent lives men, women, and children who had been going about their normal routines were taken from us, depriving families and loved ones of a lifetime of precious moments. But the acts of terror of September 11, 2001, sought to do more than hurt our people and bring down buildings: They sought to break our spirit and destroy the enduring values that unite us as Americans,” said President Barack Obama in a proclamation.
September 11 has been deemed Patriot Day and the National Day of Service and Remembrance. American flags have been called to half-mast, and agencies, churches, and individuals are urged to do something on Sunday, September 11, that honors the memory of those lives lost.
“In memory of these beautiful souls, we vow to keep moving forward. Let us have confidence in the values that make us American, the liberties that make us a beacon to the world, and the unity we sustain every year on this anniversary,” said President Obama. “Above all, let us stand as strong as ever before and recognize that together, there is nothing we cannot overcome.”
Senator Roger Wicker (R-MISS) said that today is also a day to honor those who continue to protect the United States from attack:
“Fifteen years after the deadliest attack on U.S. soil, we remain resolute in our efforts to strengthen the security of our nation. We will spend the rest of our lives remembering what happened on that day of unimaginable horror,” said Sen. Wicker. “The memory of those who were lost has not faded. Every step we take in the fight against terrorism is in their honor and in pursuit of a safer future for all Americans. We are grateful for the hundreds of thousands of men and women in uniform fighting every day to protect our nation and defend our freedom.”
