By Dillon Brandt/GG Staff Writer
Sept. 11 is a very memorable time in U.S. history. Most people who are old enough to remember what happened that day can actually tell you where they were and what they were doing.
It was a sad day for the whole United States. Many people know someone who was directly affected by the events of that day, and quite a few were very angry when they found out what really happened behind the scenes regarding why the planes hit the towers.
Photo courtesy flickr.com
The terrorists did not have the capacity to destroy the United States military, so they set their sights on big targets instead. The Twin Towers, as the centerpieces of the World Trade Center, symbolized globalization and America’s economic power and wealth. The Pentagon, because it is the headquarters for the U.S. Department of Defense, serves as a symbol of American military power.
Al-Qaeda hoped that, by attacking these symbols of American power, they would promote widespread fear throughout the country and severely weaken the United States standing in the world community, ultimately supporting their political and religious goals in the Middle East and Muslim World.
On Sept 11, 2001 there were a series of four coordinated terrorist attacks by Al-Qaeda The attacks killed 2,996 people and injured over 6,000 more, causing around $10 million in damage. Four American Airline passenger planes were hijacked. Two of those airplanes crashed into the 110-story Twin Towers in New York City, both of which eventually crumbled, killing hundreds and injuring thousands.
The third airplane crashed into the Pentagon in Arlington, Virginia and the fourth plane never reached it’s destination, and crashed in a field in Shanksville, Pennsylvania.
Many first responders died trying to help get people out of the towers and while searching through the rubble including 343 firefighters and 72 police officers.
Since the tragedy, some structures have been rebuilt at the World Trade Center site. The National September 11 Memorial, including two pools where the towers once stood, was opened on Sept. 11, 2011, 10 years after the attacks. Also finished is the National September 11 Museum, One World Trade Center, 4 World Trade Center, 7 World Trade Center, the World Trade Center Transportation Hub, and Liberty Park.
