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September 11 Attacks
History >> US History 1900 to Present

Please note: The audio information from the video is included in the text below.

The Twin Towers During the Attack
Source: National Park Service

On September 11, 2001 the United States was attacked by an Islamic terrorist group called al-Qaeda. They hijacked four passenger planes and used them as weapons to crash into buildings. Two of the planes crashed into the Twin Towers in New York City while another plane hit the Pentagon. The fourth plane crashed in Shanksville, Pennsylvania after the passengers attempted to retake control of the plane.

The Attacks

It was early in the morning on September 11 when the hijackers took control of the four airplanes. At the time, no one dreamed of their intentions. Here is what happened to each flight in the order that they crashed:

8:46 AM: American Airlines Flight 11 from Boston crashes into the North Tower of the World Trade Center in New York City.

9:03 AM: United Airlines Flight 175 from Boston crashed into the South Tower at 9:03 AM.

9:37 AM: American Airlines Flight 77 from Dulles Airport in Washington, D.C. crashes into the Pentagon.

10:03 AM: United Airlines Flight 93 from Newark, New Jersey crashes into a field near Shanksville, Pennsylvania when the passengers attempt to take control. Authorities believe the terrorists' target was the White House or the U.S. Capitol Building.

When the first plane hit the North Tower, many people thought it was some sort of horrible accident. When the second plane hit, we knew we were under attack.

The Twin Towers Collapse

The airplane fuel on board the passenger planes caused an intense fire and extreme heat in the Twin Towers. Eventually, the structural integrity of both buildings gave way and the towers collapsed. The South Tower collapsed first followed by the North Tower around a 1/2 hour later. Several other buildings and skyscrapers around the Twin Towers collapsed as well.

How many people died?

The death toll from the attacks was devastating. All 246 passengers and crew on the four airplanes died along with 2,606 people at the World Trade Center and 125 at the Pentagon. In all, 2,996 people were killed by the terrorist attacks.

September 11 National Memorial
Photo by Ducksters

9/11 Heroes

There are many stories of heroes on the ground and in the air during the attacks. The firefighters and police of New York City worked diligently to save thousands of people before the buildings collapsed. Many of them gave their lives including 343 firefighters, 72 police, and 55 military personnel. The passengers aboard Flight 93 also fought back to gain control of the plane. They knew they were probably going to die, but they didn't let the plane crash into a building where more would die. We will never know just how many lives their bravery saved.

Who were the attackers?

There were 19 terrorists involved in the hijackings. They were members of the Islamic terrorist group al-Qaeda led by Osama bin Laden.

Aftermath

The effects from the attacks were felt for many years. The U.S. economy struggled as the stock market crashed. Things were even worse in New York City which had to deal with the dust, debris, and destruction of so many buildings. Many had to deal with the death of friends and loved-ones and the loss of jobs and businesses.

The United States government, led byPresident George W. Bush, retaliated with a "War on Terror." The U.S. attacked the Taliban in Afghanistan and searched out leaders and members of al-Qaeda. Osama bin Laden was able to hide out in mountain caves for many years before he was finally hunted down and killed in 2011.

One World Trade Center Building
Photo by Ducksters

Memorials

There are memorials to the victims at each of the three locations of the attacks. There is the National September 11 Memorial and Museum at the World Trade Center in New York City, the Pentagon Memorial in Virginia, and the Flight 93 National Memorial in Pennsylvania.

Interesting Facts About the September 11 Attacks

The Department of Homeland Security was formed and the Patriot Act passed after the attacks in order to help fight terrorism.

Around 50,000 people had jobs in the Twin Towers before the attacks.

All four flights were headed across the country to California. This was part of the terrorists' plans so that the planes would be filled with fuel for a long flight.

The passengers aboard the planes used cell phones to relay details of the hijackers.

President Bush said after the attacks that "We will not waver; we will not falter, and we will not fail. Peace and freedom will prevail."

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History >> US History 1900 to Present

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September 11 Attacks History >> US History 1900 to Present Please note: The audio information from the video is included in the text below. The Twin Towers During the Attack Source: National Park Service On September 11, 2001 the United States was attacked by an Islamic terrorist group called al-Qaeda.

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Official 9_11 Memorial Museum Tribute In Time-Lapse 2004-2014 (1)

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When you think of heroes, Superman may come to mind. With superpowers like flying and leaping tall buildings in a single , it's easy for Superman to accomplish deeds.

Did you realize, though, that you can be a even if you don't have any superpowers? It's true! According to Merriam-Webster's Collegiate Dictionary, a "" is "one that shows great ."

The word "" comes from the Greek word heros, which means protector or defender. Every day, there are "ordinary" people who act like heroes when they courageously defend or protect others.

On September 11, 2001, thousands of ordinary citizens became heroes in the of the terrible terrorist attacks that occurred at the World Trade Center in New York City, at the Pentagon in Washington, D.C. and outside Shanksville in rural Pennsylvania.

These terrible attacks caused unspeakable damage, as well as thousands of deaths. Nearly 3,000 people died in the attacks, including 2,753 victims at the World Trade Center attacks in New York City.

As soon as the attacks occurred, thousands of emergency personnel, including firefighters, police, emergency medical technicians (EMTs), and paramedics, responded to the scene to help as many people as possible. Unfortunately, many of these first responders became victims themselves. In total, 343 firefighters, 60 police officers and 8 EMTs and paramedics lost their lives on 9/11.

In the days, weeks, and months after the tragic 9/11 attacks, people from around the country came to New York City to volunteer their time and skills in the and clean-up efforts. These volunteers included ironworkers, engineers, heavy machinery operators, firefighters, police officers, construction workers, EMTs, medical workers, and dozens of other types of specialists.

The workers were also aided by the largest deployment of working dogs in U.S. history. About 300 search and dogs helped to search for survivors, as well as identify those who didn't survive the terrorist attacks.

Although the 9/11 attacks represent one of the darkest days in U.S. history, the responses of so many regular citizens were remarkable. In a time of great fear and sorrow, thousands and thousands of people set aside their own wants and desires to volunteer their time and skills to help others.

Even though superpowers might make being a easier, every day there are people who selflessly volunteer their time and skills - and sometimes even put themselves in harm's way - to protect and defend others. These everyday heroes might not have superpowers, but they're still superheroes to those they help.

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When you think of heroes, Superman may come to mind. With superpowers like flying and leaping tall buildings in a single , it's easy for Superman to accomplish deeds. Did you realize, though, that you can be a even if you don't have any superpowers? It's true!

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What Happened On September 11_ 2001_ (child friendly 9+)