On September 11th, 2001, at 8:45 am, the New York City World Trade Center’s North Tower was hit by an American Airlines Boeing 767, Flight 11, killing hundreds of people on impact. 18-minutes later, another Boeing 767 United Airlines, Flight 175, crashed into the South Tower. Here, we’ll be remembering the bravery of the 9/11 responders and those who lost their lives.

Terror and Chaos: The First Hour

Within 20 minutes, two Boeings flew into both towers, which erupted in flames. From the group, civilians watch debris fall from the sky, and people jumping from the tower in an attempt to escape. After another 30 minutes, an American Airlines Flight 77 collided into the Pentagon, and a fourth, the United Flight 93, was destroyed when it crash-landed in a Pennsylvanian field.

The First Responders: The Second Hour, Days, Months, Years

Ordinary civilians showed incredible courage by running towards the towers against all instincts. Welles Crowther was only 24-years old when he returned to the South Tower to bring others to safety. Todd Beamer turned to the other passengers of Flight 93 to band together and thwart the terrorists' plans.60 police officers and 343 firefighters conducted rescue operations.

St.Paul's Chapel opened its doors to volunteers, civilians, and responders for rest and aid. About 1.8 million tons of debris and locals helped to clear the debris. Unfortunately, many diseases were caused by 9/11, but sufferers can receive compensation for their conditions.

World Wide Aid: The Coming Months, Years

Many reached in their hearts and wallets to help the first responders who tirelessly helped those in need. Blood banks were filling up with willing participants, and in multiple cities, there was over a day's wait for donors. Europe, Canada, and numerous other countries started sending medical supplies, clothing, miscellaneous goods, and food to Washington and New York. 

Gander, Newfoundland, housed almost 7k passengers whose flights were delayed and diverted, multiple charities raised more than $600 million for victims, their families, and the volunteers at ground zero. Doctors, nurses, counselors, and clergy all provide aid for free.

The Victims: On Day One to Now

Over 3,000 people were murdered in the 9/11 terrorist attacks, making it the most devastating attack on American soil since Pearl Harbor. Nearly 10,000 surviving victims were injured, tens of thousands are currently suffering from health conditions, and many families are still mourning the loss of their children, parents, friends, and loved ones around the US.

James Zadroga, who died in 2006 from lung failure caused by inhaling the fumes at ground zero, survives today in the First Responders Bill. This new paper expanded the Victims Compensation Fund to include people who developed health complications later in life.

Over 8,000 victims of the attacks are still unidentified. Family members whose loved ones were killed in the 9/11 attacks can speak to anthropologists at the World Trade Center to help identify the remains. All unidentified victims rest in the World Trade Center Repository. 

Remembrance and Memorial Locations

Americans now celebrate Patriot Day on September 11th, and multiple events take place to remember and mourn the millions of people affected by the terrorist attacks.

  • The September 11th Memorial & Museum: Located at Ground Zero, the names of every person who died in the attacks are inscribed on bronze panels. The Survivor Tree, a Callery pear tree, is seen as a symbol of resilience and strength to those affected.
  • The 9/11 Pentagon Memorial: Located in Virginia, this memorial honors the people who left on Flight 77 on the morning of the attacks, including 3-year old Dana Falkenberg.
  • The Flight 93 National Memorial: Located in Pennsylvania, this memorial pays tribute to United Flight 93. The 40 wind chimes on-site are for each passenger.