Today marks twenty-one years since one of the most traumatic and life-changing moments in American history took place. A day filled with fear, heartbreak, and unity — 9/11.
Nineteen hijackers boarded four different planes in attempts to suicide bomb major U.S. buildings: the North and South towers of the World Trade Center in New York along with the Pentagon, and a federal building in Washington D.C. Citizens watched in horror as planes first struck the World Trade Center and then the Pentagon. A passenger revolt led to the fourth plane going down in a field in Pennsylvania.
As the planes hit the World Trade Center, emergency vehicles flooded the streets. For most it was already too late, but in a heroic effort, the first responders rushed to help those who were still alive and trapped.
After the events took place, there were nearly 3,000 casualties between all four of the attacked sites. It was later found that the terrorist group, Al Qaeda, which was led by Osama bin Laden, was responsible for the attacks.
According to Janice Dishner, a 53-year
-old Fort Smith-native and former Whirlpool employee, ”It made a lot of people start talking about God and praying for the country. A lot of Americans were praying for a stronger connection.” Dishner expressed that the events that took place on 9/11 made her aware of how “. . . something very tragic could happen in just seconds, and it could change the whole world.”
In an age where division is arguably more common than unity, it is important to take a moment to reflect upon this tragic event and remember those who lost their lives, those who lost their family members and friends, and those who went in to save others. 9/11 serves as an example of how it is possible to come together as a nation even amidst turmoil, chaos, and fear.
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