9/11: Twenty Years Later

Twenty years ago today, our world changed forever when a coordinated terrorist attack rocked our country. At 8:46, American Airlines Flight 11 struck the North Tower of the World Trade Center. A short time later, United Airlines Flight 175 struck the south tower, confirming to the nation that we were under attack. At 9:37, a third plane American Airlines Flight 177 struck the Pentagon. Things got much worse at 9:59 when the South Tower collapsed crushing first responders and those they tried to rescue. Then in a field in western Pennsylvania near Shanksville, the brave passengers of United Flight 193 fought back against their hijackers and forced the aircraft to crash in a field rather then another American landmark. The horror continued when at 10:28, the North Tower collapsed. In less than 2 hours, 2,977 heroes were lost in these heinous acts. In the weeks, months and years many more Americans would become victims of 9/11 from diseases from contamination at Ground Zero and the following War on Terror. No matter how much time passes from September 11, 2001 one thing remains we will never forget that day or forget those who lost their lives. In honor of the victims of 9/11, today's photo of the day comes from Ground Zero in 2004 and features a cross shape piece of steel that was found in the rubble of the collapse. The Ground Zero cross became a source of inspiration at the site and was placed on a pedestal to overlook and provide strength to those working at Ground Zero. Today it can be found on display at the National September 11 Museum. (Photo: April 27, 2004)