The morning of September 11, 2001 started out like any other in NYC. Busy men & women walked alongside the sidewalk as they gazed upon the North & South Towers of the World Trade Center, completely unaware of the tragedy that was to unfold. To many of us this date brings out many emotions, ranging anywhere from despair to anger towards the individuals who perpetrated such deeds. As an American we feel a combination of all of them & it’s the memory that keeps such emotions alive and strong. For the families involved there is no reconciliation because their loss is one that is felt over & over again for a lifetime. 

In total there were four commercial flights that were hijacked, however two of those, American Airlines Flight 11 & United Airlines Flight 175, were infamous in The Big Apple experience as well as in the total fatality count. Many TV shows & audio recordings have been released that highlights the true fear & desperation of the crew and passengers involved. How does one operate knowing that at any moment it could all be over? This is where American spirit & courage comes into play. Indeed there were many terrifying phone calls placed but there were also many calm and complacent calls placed as well from passengers to family members detailing the experience and their final words. 

In addition to these two flights, there was one in particular that displayed American valor at its' finest & that was United Airlines Flight 93. The hijacker's planned destination to this day has never been confirmed however there is great speculation that it was The White House. As UAF 93 neared the D.C area the passengers revolted & stormed the cockpit. The famous line, “Are you guys ready? Okay. Let’s roll!” was spoken by Todd Beamer as he alongside the other passengers attempted to breach the cockpit. Whether or not they actually succeeded is an unknown answer but undoubtedly this is the definition of heroism at its finest. 

September 11, 2001 will always be a day of emotional grief for each & every American alike. However we must not forget the gallantry displayed, the heroism displayed, and the emotional strength displayed. As such we can look at this in many different aspects but truly the actions of UAF 93 displays the will and determination of The United States of America. Fear will never triumph over freedom, and terror will never shake the core of liberty. 9/11 will forever showcase America’s will to overcome.