Twenty-five years ago today, a great tragedy occurred in our country. A terrorist attack caused the loss of nearly 3,000 people. This event changed us as a country—we became united against the enemy who had done so much harm.
The day began as a beautiful September morning with sunshine, blue skies and summer flowers still in bloom. It was an ordinary day with people going to work or appointments, children going to school. Then a bulletin came over the radio and television: a plane had struck one of the Twin Towers in New York City. At first, it was thought to be a tragic accident. Then another plane struck the second Tower, another hit the Pentagon, and another hijacked by terrorists. The passengers took control of the plane and diverted it from Washington, D.C., crashing the plane into a field near Shanksville, Pa.
As the top of the towers burned, police, firefighters and first responders rushed in to save lives. As dazed survivors stumbled out of the buildings, they ran as far away as they could. Black smoke billowed, and white ash fell on everything.
Days afterward, people walked around carrying pictures of loved ones asking if anyone had seen them.
In the aftermath, all planes were grounded. Volunteers came from all over bringing food and water and to help search for any life. People donated blood. Young people joined the military. Churches held prayer services and were packed with people. Trainers brought dogs to help with the search. We all worked together.
Now there is a new tower in the World Trade Center Complex. There is a memorial where the Twin Towers stood with reflecting pools surrounded by bronze plaques engraved with the names of those whose lives were lost. Sadly, people still die from the effects of toxins that they breathed.
And in our hearts, we say, May the world know peace again.
—Bernadette R. Gentry