September 11, 2001
A Brief History of 9/11
The terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001, were a series of coordinated suicide attacks by al-Qaeda upon the United States. On that morning, 19 terrorists hijacked four commercial passenger jets. The hijackers intentionally crashed two planes into the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center in New York City, killing everyone on board and many others working in the buildings. The towers eventually collapsed. A third plane crashed into the Pentagon in Arlington, Virginia, while the fourth plane, United Airlines Flight 93, was brought down in a field in Pennsylvania after passengers attempted to overcome the hijackers.
The attacks resulted in the deaths of nearly 3,000 people, the injury of over 6,000 others, and the destruction of billions of dollars worth of property and infrastructure. The aftermath of 9/11 led to significant changes in U.S. domestic and foreign policy, including the launch of the War on Terror.
Stories of Resilience and Hope
Numerous survivors, first responders, and ordinary people became heroes on that fateful day. Their stories of courage, resilience, and hope continue to inspire generations. Below are some online stories that provide insight into the human spirit and the unity that emerged after the tragedy: