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September 11, 2001: We Will Never Forget!

September 11, 2001: We Will Never Forget!

Last updated on: September 11, 2026 at 11:18 am by Dennis McIntyre

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September 11, 2001: We Will Never Forget! 2026-09-11T11:18:45-04:00 Dennis McIntyre

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Today is the 25th anniversary of the September 11 attacks – image courtesy of Vecteezy.com.

The September 11 attacks, often called 9/11, remain one of the most significant events in American history. On September 11, 2001, terrorists hijacked four commercial airplanes and carried out coordinated attacks against the United States. Nearly 3,000 people lost their lives, thousands more were injured, and the nation was forever changed. More than two decades later, Americans continue to remember the victims, honor the heroes who responded, and reflect on how the attacks shaped the country. The story of September 11 is not only about tragedy. It is also about courage, sacrifice, unity, and hope. One thing is certain: those of us old enough to have seen these attacks will never forget them or the way America came together as a people immediately after.

The September 11th Attacks

On the morning of September 11, 2001, 19 terrorists associated with al-Qaeda hijacked four commercial airliners. At 8:46 AM, the first plane crashed into the North Tower of New York City’s World Trade Center. Seventeen minutes later, a second plane struck the South Tower. A third hijacked aircraft crashed into the Pentagon near Washington, D.C. A fourth plane, United Flight 93, crashed into a field near Shanksville, Pennsylvania, after passengers fought back against the hijackers. Investigators believe the terrorists intended to strike another important American target.

The attacks caused the collapse of both World Trade Center towers and widespread destruction. The loss of life included office workers, airline passengers, police officers, firefighters, military personnel, and emergency responders. The attacks became the deadliest terrorist act ever committed on American soil.

The Rescue and Recovery Effort

It has been 25 years since the horrific attacks on America. We will never forget! Image courtesy of Vecteezy.com.

In the hours after the attacks, first responders rushed toward danger while others ran away from it. Firefighters, police officers, emergency medical personnel, and volunteers worked tirelessly to rescue survivors and search for victims. The World Trade Center site soon became known as Ground Zero. Rescue and recovery crews worked under extremely difficult conditions. Fires burned for months, and workers removed millions of tons of debris while searching for remains and evidence. The rescue and recovery effort lasted 251 days and ran 24×7. The effort ended with a solemn ceremony on May 30, 2002.

Many responders suffered long-term health problems because of exposure to dust, toxins, and hazardous materials at the site. The National September 11 Memorial & Museum and many organizations across the country remember their ongoing sacrifices. Traditionally, the official commemoration ceremony at the World Trade Center features six moments of silence tied strictly to the timeline of the attacks themselves (the strikes on the towers, the Pentagon, the crash of Flight 93, and the collapses). This year, there is a 7th moment of silence that specifically honors the first responders, recovery workers, downtown residents, and survivors who lost their lives later to illnesses caused by the toxic debris at Ground Zero. This 7th moment of silence is observed later in the program—specifically following the lengthy reading of the victims’ names.

When we look at something as dark as September 11, it can be hard to see anything good in the immediate devastation. Yet, the way people responded—ordinary citizens running toward danger, strangers coming together across every division to comfort one another, and the enduring dedication of those who cared for the sick and the grieving in the years that followed—stands as a powerful testament to the resilience of the human spirit and God’s love.

America After September 11

In the days and weeks following September 11, Americans displayed a remarkable sense of unity. People gathered at memorial services, displayed American flags, donated blood, and supported victims’ families. Political differences often took a back seat as the nation mourned together. Many people remember a stronger feeling of shared purpose during that period. Communities rallied around first responders, military members, and those directly affected by the attacks. Patriotism became highly visible across the country.

Today, the emotional impact of 9/11 remains, but it is different. Younger generations know the attacks through history lessons instead of personal memories. The nation’s attention has shifted to new challenges, yet annual remembrance ceremonies help keep the stories of the victims and heroes alive. The unity that followed September 11 is often remembered as a reminder of what we as Americans can accomplish when we come together in difficult times.

Where Was God During the Attacks?

For many people, one of the hardest questions after September 11 was, “Where was God?”

I wrote an article for Beliefnet.com attempting to answer that question:

“The attackers exercised free will to commit evil acts. At the same time, firefighters ran into burning buildings, passengers on Flight 93 resisted the hijackers, and countless individuals showed courage and compassion. Those actions also flowed from free choice. Christianity teaches us that God values love so highly that He allows humans the freedom to choose it, even though that freedom carries risks. While this does not erase the pain of tragedy, it offers a framework for understanding why God may permit human evil rather than constantly overriding human decisions.”

A Personal Reflection

I worked in Midtown Manhattan on September 11, 2001. When authorities shut down the city, I was forced to stay in Manhattan overnight. Around 9 PM on September 11th, I left the building where I worked and started walking south on Lexington Ave. What should have been a very busy street filled with cars, taxis, and people was almost empty and eerily silent, except for the hushed voices of people waiting in line to donate blood. God was there among them, showing us He would get us through this horrific event, too. I found that incredibly comforting.

The Final Word

From my Beliefnet article:

“For Christians, the cross of Jesus offers the clearest answer to suffering. We believe God understands human pain because Jesus Himself experienced injustice, violence, and death. God is not distant from suffering but enters it, offering hope and love beyond it. Let’s pray that we never have to experience another event like September 11, but find comfort in the fact that God is always present in everything that happens in our lives.”

Please share your thoughts or any questions about this article in the “Comments” section below.

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Peace

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About Dennis McIntyre

In my early years, I was a member of the Methodist church, where I was baptized as a child and eventually became a lector. I always felt very faith-filled, but something was missing. My wife is Catholic, and my children were baptized as Catholics, which helped me find what I was looking for. I wanted to be part of something bigger than myself, walking with Jesus. I was welcomed into the Catholic faith and received the sacraments as a full member of the Catholic Church in 2004. I am a Spiritual Director and commissioned to lead directees through the 19th Annotation. I am very active in ministry, serving as a Lector and Eucharistic Minister and providing spiritual direction. I have spent time working with the sick and terminally ill in local hospitals and hospice care centers, and I have found these ministries challenging and extremely rewarding. In addition to publishing articles on Patheos, I have also published articles on Beliefnet.com. You can read more about the author here.

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