We as Americans came together as one on those tragic and frightening days following the Islamic Terrorist strike against the United States of America.
On September 11, 2001, 19 Islamic Terrorists hijacked four commercial airliners.
American Airlines Flight 11, a Boeing 767, had a crew of 11 and 76 passengers. This was the first aircraft to strike the Twin Towers. This aircraft was deliberately flown by the Islamic Terrorist hijackers into the northern facade of the North Tower at 8:46 a.m.
United Airlines Flight 175, a Boeing 767, had a crew of nine with 51 passengers.This aircraft was the second to strike the Twin Towers.
This aircraft was deliberately flown by the Islamic Terrorist hijackers into the southern facade of the South Tower at 9:03 a.m.
American Airlines Flight 77, a Boeing 757, had a crew of six with 53 passengers. This aircraft was deliberately flown into the western facade of the Pentagon by the Islamic Terrorist hijackers at 9:37 a.m.
United Airlines Flight 93, a Boeing 757, had a crew of seven with 33 passengers. The passengers attempted to take the aircraft from the Islamic Terrorists, with the aircraft crashing into a field in Stonycreek Township, Pennsylvania at 10:03 a.m.
That day, 246 Americans died on those four aircraft hijacked by Islamic Terrorists.
That day, 2,606 Americans died at the Twin Towers and the surrounding area.
That day, 125 Americans died at the Pentagon.
And if the carnage alone is not terrible enough, as of September 2021, 1,106 Americans are yet to be identified.
This was the worst attack on the United States of America. The loss of American lives that day exceeded those lost at Pearl Harbor.
Everyone promised to "Never Forget" September 11.
Yet America has forgotten those American souls lost that tragic day in New York City, Arlington, Virginia and Stonycreek Township, Pennsylvania.
Could we all come together again just as on those tragic and frightening days after the attack and lay aside our political differences and be Americans united as one and ask our elected representatives to legislate September 11 as a holiday where we can all remember and grieve and heal.
I am a proud American who will never forget.
Dwayne Cales