Ten years ago today, the world watched in horror as in an instant, a single moment, history changed forever. Nineteen militants infiltrated airline security and boarded four planes. While in the air, these terrorists overpowered the pilot and co-pilot and changed course for one final destination. At 8:46 AM, the first plane crashed into the north building of the World Trade Center in New York. Around fifteen minutes later, the second plane destroyed the south building. Both buildings erupted in flames, and, badly damaged, soon collapsed. A third plane struck the southwest side of the Pentagon near Washington D.C. at 9:40, and within the next hour the fourth crashed in Pennsylvania after its passengers—aware of events via cellular telephone—attempted to overpower their assailants. Some 2,750 people were killed in New York, 184 at the Pentagon, and 40 in Pennsylvania. All 19 terrorists died. I remember this day. I was just eight at the time, growing up in Central Ohio, seeing the pictures on my TV screen. I admit, at the time the event meant nothing to me. I was sorry for the people, of course, but in my childlike mind all the danger was in far away New York, I was safe where I was. I didn't know anybody there, I didn't have to worry about a family member being hurt. But now as I sit here and reflect on that day, I know that it was much bigger than just New York. What happened that day affected the entire world, and will never be forgotten.
