Remembering the tragedy of 9/11

This Saturday marks 20 years since the historical event of 9/11 and represents a time to honor the memory of those who perished in this devastating crisis. CHS commemorates the disaster in many ways.

Sept. 11, 2001, 19 members of the Islamic terrorist group, al Qaeda, highjacked 4 United States airplanes. They carried out a suicide attack, crashing two planes into the World Trade Center’s twin towers; one crashed into the Pentagon, and another dove onto a field in Shanksville, Pennsylvania. Nearly 3,000 American citizens lost their lives.

Every year on this day schools all over the country revisit the tragic day to teach kids of all ages about the heartbreaking event and to remember the thousands of lives lost.

What happened on September 11th?

The 80th floor of the North Tower was struck first at 8:46 A.M. – just one minute after the flight’s departure. While everyone on board the plane died instantly, Twin Tower survivors were trapped on the floors above.

The President at the time, George W. Bush, was notified right away. He was visiting an elementary school in Sarasota, Florida. Meanwhile in New York City, civilians were ordered to evacuate both buildings.

Civilians filmed with their cell phones, and T.V. broadcasting networks reported, as a second plane crashed into the South Tower less than 16 minutes after the first. Shortly after, at 9:37, a third plane collided with the Western area of the Pentagon, killing a total of 184 people.

Planes all over the country were ordered to land immediately, and all flights were postponed. However, passengers on a highjacked plane (known as flight 93) were able to contact family members who warned them about the earlier attacks. They formulated a plan to regain control, but the terrorists frantically crashed the plane onto a field in Pennsylvania.

Before the day ended, both the twin towers collapsed onto the ground, representing the final culmination to the initial chaos.

The hijackers were found out to be an Islamic terrorist organization called al Qaeda, led by Saudi Arabian fugitive, Osama bin Laden. For five years he concealed himself from the government and went unnoticed, until a U.S. force raided the compound in which he was hiding.

To honor the lives lost, the 9/11 Memorial Museum stands proudly in New York City.

The 9/11 Memorial Museum tells the story of 9/11 through media, narratives, and a collection of monumental and authentic artifacts, presenting visitors with personal stories of loss, recovery, and hope.

9/11 Memorial Museum

Cherokee’s plans to commemorate

Friday morning, first period band played The National Anthem, God Bless America, and Armed Forces on Parade in Downtown Canton to honor the lives lost and to celebrate how far America has come since the tragic event.

Friday morning on the announcements there was also a tribute to remind everyone about the significance of 9/11. Sadly, because the actual date is tomorrow, there will not be a formal ceremony at school, but at tonight’s football game, a moment of silence will be held before the National Anthem.

We are in hopes that Americans across the nation will take a few moments tomorrow to remember those who were lost as well as those who were so crucial in the rescue efforts for the survivors.

Dr. Kirby

History teachers here at Cherokee also have plans to teach their students about the event:

The Warrior Word would like to encourage students to take a moment of silence for the many lives lost on Sept. 11, 2001. We also suggest they speak to a parent or family member about their experiences and educate themselves further on the subject.

Thank you, Warrior Nation.