9/11: the day that changed America forever
September 11, 2001 is forever etched into our hearts and souls. Americans remember exactly where they were. That horrific moment is engraved in our memories. A beautiful, “normal” Tuesday morning turned into utter turmoil and devastation at 8:46 am.
What happened 20 years ago
American Airlines Flight #11 crashed into the World Trade Center’s North Tower between floors 93 and 99. At first, it was thought to be a terrible accident until 9:03, when United Flight #175 struck the South Tower, between floors 77 and 85. With Manhattan resembling a war zone, shockwaves were running through the world. At 9:37am, American Flight #77 crashed into the Pentagon taking 184 innocent lives.
— In Shanksville, PA
The initial devastation ended with somewhat of a “victory” when the brave men and women of Flight #93 overtook the hijackers and crashed into a field in Shanksville, PA. preventing a larger catastrophe, albeit taking the lives of the 44 on board.
— In NYC
It was utter chaos of fire, smoke, cries, and confusion. The 1,344 people working above the 91st floor of the North Tower were trapped. It would collapse in 1 hour and 42 minutes. Some were able to escape the South Tower before it collapsed in just 56 minutes. Bystanders looked up in disbelief. First Responders rushed into the burning buildings to try and rescue those entombed. 2,763 people were killed in the Twin Tower attacks including 2,192 civilians, 343 firefighters, 71 law enforcement officers and the 147 on the planes. This staggering figure does not include the countless who have died since with related health effects.
“Terrorist attacks can shake the foundations of our biggest buildings, but they cannot touch the foundation of America. These acts shattered steel, but they cannot dent the steel of American resolve.”
— President George W. Bush
Local events to mark the 20th anniversary
— Mooresville
9/11 memorial walk [2020 walk pictured above]
The 9/11 Memorial Walk will begin from two locations in downtown Mooresville:
1) Main St. at Iredell Ave. and 2) Main St. at McLelland Ave. We invite the public to gather at one of these locations by 8:30am on Saturday, September 11th.
Tolling bells, silence, and shared stories
A bell will ring at 8:46am, the time when the North Tower was struck, and we will walk silently towards Richard’s Coffee Shop. Mayor Atkins, MPD Chief Campurciani and Fire Chief Deaton, will open the ceremony. At 9:03, a bell will ring, and we will hold a Moment of Silence for those in the South Tower. At 9:37, a bell will ring, and we will hold a Moment of Silence for those at the Pentagon. And finally, at 10:03, a bell will ring, and we will hold a Moment of Silence for those on Flight 93. In between the Moments of Silence, a 9/11 Survivor will share their personal story. The stories of other survivors will be shared as well. The ceremony will conclude at 10:15 with the singing of the Star-Spangled Banner and the playing of Taps.
You are invited
We invite everyone to join us to commemorate. This will be a solemn and silent walk and ceremony. Please bring chairs for the ceremony and join us afterwards at Welcome Home Veterans Living Military Museum at Richard’s Coffee Shop.
See the following links for other Lake Norman area memorial events — be sure to confirm, many events are being cancelled or held virtually:
Article and photos by Katie Stankiewicz
Katie Stankiewicz is the founder of Willow Equine and executive director of Soul to Soles Connection.
The Exchange Club of Mooresville / Lake Norman is a civic organization, that works to create a strong and united community. They have been serving the Lake Norman area for over 30 years, with a focus on Americanism, Community Service, Prevention of Child Abuse and Youth. If you or anyone you know have been looking for a way to connect and give back, join the club!
Go to our website at https://mooresvillelknexchange.org/ for more information. Select “Join the Club” under the ‘Menu’ section for an member application. You can also email the club through the Contact Us’ menu selection.
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