As we reach the 25th memorial of September 11, 2001, it feels appropriate for the Club to take a moment and remember the tragic events of that horrible day.
In a matter of one hour and forty-five minutes on the morning of September 11, 2001, nearly 3,000 Americans were killed by 19 al‑Qaida terrorists who hijacked and crashed four commercial airplanes.
American Airlines Flight 11 crashed into the North Tower of the World Trade Center at 8:46 am (EDT). United Airlines Flight 175 hit the South Tower at 9:02 am. American Airlines Flight 77 struck the Pentagon at 9:37 am. United Airlines Flight 93 crashed in Pennsylvania at 10:03 am, after the brave passengers resisted.
At 9:49 am, the South Tower collapsed. At 10:28 am, the North Tower followed.
Some 2,750 Americans were killed in New York; 184 at the Pentagon and 40 in a field in Pennsylvania.
All of our lives changed on that morning. But, the attack did not defeat us. To the contrary, our country united and persevered.
As 25 years have passed, and the calendar reaches another September 11th, the date seems to have become more normal, less memorable, and just another day.
So, as you go on with your busy day this Friday, make it a point to be reminded. Especially during that hour and forty-five minutes from 7:45 am to 9:30 am (CDT) of your day. Take a moment to reflect, to remember and to pay respects to all of those Americans who lost everything on that morning, 25 years ago.
Brian Dougherty
Photo Credit: 10/7/1984: NYC from the deck of S/V COURTESAN (Photo Courtesy of John Calvano)
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