Blog #174 Knowing the Truth about the 9/11 Tragedy…from an FBI Agent on the scene
The following short essay is by a now-retired FBI Agent who was onsite at the Twin Trade Towers in NYC during the 9/11 attack.
I am honored to be his friend. Please share with your friends/family, and especially those too young to know about it.
John,
Figured I would pass this along to you.
As you may know, I narrowly escaped death during the rescue efforts at the World Trade Center on 9/11. I participated in the subsequent rescue efforts and the investigation. I never discussed this day until just recently. After the first plane hit, I rushed down to assist the firefighters and law enforcement on the scene. Eventually, the buildings collapsed, and I barely escaped with my life. This email, however, is not about me; it is about the brave souls who lost their lives that day to protect the freedoms we cherish. It concerns me that some people have started to take these freedoms for granted, and 9/11 feels like a distant memory to many. I want to ensure that our younger generations never forget and do not view it as just a page in a history book, believing it could never happen again.
What happened on 9/11:
On September 11, 2001, the United States experienced one of the most devastating terrorist attacks in its history. Early that morning, 19 hijackers from the group al-Qaeda took control of four passenger airplanes. Two planes were flown into the twin towers of the World Trade Center in New York City, causing both skyscrapers to collapse. A third plane hit the Pentagon, the U.S. military headquarters, near Washington, D.C. The fourth plane, United Flight 93, was likely headed toward Washington, D.C., but brave passengers fought back, causing the plane to crash in a Pennsylvania field instead of hitting its target.
Loss of life:
Nearly 2,977 people were killed that day, including passengers, workers, and first responders who rushed in to save others. It was the deadliest terrorist attack ever on U.S. soil.
The fear in the country:
The attacks stunned the world. Americans watched live as the towers collapsed, leaving a deep sense of shock, fear, and uncertainty. Air travel was shut down, and people worried that more attacks might come.
An attack on democracy:
The terrorists deliberately targeted America's symbols of strength—the economy (World Trade Center), the military (Pentagon), and likely the government (Capitol or White House). The attacks were meant to spread fear and challenge the freedoms and values that define democracy.
A reminder about freedom:
9/11 was not only a tragedy but also a reminder that freedom is precious. Throughout history, Americans have fought and sacrificed their lives to protect the liberties we enjoy today. Our freedoms should never be taken for granted.
A moment of silence:
On this day of remembrance, please take a moment of silence at the exact times the planes crashed to honor the men, women, and children who lost their lives:
8:46 AM ET (7:46 AM CT) – American Airlines Flight 11 struck the North Tower of the World Trade Center.
9:03 AM ET (8:03 AM CT) – United Airlines Flight 175 struck the South Tower of the World Trade Center.
9:37 AM ET (8:37 AM CT) – American Airlines Flight 77 struck the Pentagon.
10:03 AM ET (9:03 AM CT) – United Airlines Flight 93 crashed into a field in Pennsylvania after passengers fought back.
Please pause at these times to reflect and remember. Their memory reminds us to stand strong, value our freedoms, and never forget.
Best,
Jason Horowitz