It has been 19 years since that tragic day in 2001.
Nineteen years since that morning when four U.S. jetliners were hijacked by terrorists we soon learned were part of Osama bin Laden's al-Qaeda network.
Two of the flights crashed into the Twin Towers of New York's World Trade Center, bringing down those magnificent buildings-along with another in the complex-and killing more than 2,700 people in the buildings and on the planes. Several other buildings in the area were damaged as well and the Wall Street district would remain a virtual ghost town for weeks.
The third plane crashed into the Pentagon, tearing a large hole in the side of America's military headquarters and claiming 184 in all.
The last airliner, reportedly headed for either the U.S. Capitol or the White House, crashed near Shanksville, Penn., after passengers and crew heroically attempted to wrest control from the hijackers.
Some 2,974 people-including 19 hijackers-died in the attacks that day. More than 20 remain listed as missing from the World Trade Center.
And the man who boasted of planning and ordering the attacks-Osama bin Laden-was finally brought to justice.
President George W. Bush was a commanding presence in the weeks after the attacks. He provided strong leadership, reassured the country and vowed to hunt down bin Laden no matter where he tried to hide.
We went into Afghanistan to find him. We toppled his allies in the Taliban and captured some key al-Qaeda leaders. But not bin Laden.
Then we went to war in Iraq and that became our top priority. It shouldn't have. Not until we had Osama bin Laden.
President Bush was unable to fulfill his pledge to get bin Laden. So then it fell to President Barack Obama to go after the man responsible for the most vicious act of terror ever committed on U.S. soil.
And on May 2, 2011, under the cover of darkness, U.S. helicopters ferried a crack team of U.S. Navy SEALS to the walled compound in Pakistan that served as bin Laden's last hideout.
In under 40 minutes it was all over. Bin Laden was dead. Yes, it took nearly 10 years to find Osama bin Laden. But find him we did. And he paid the price he deserved for orchestrating the deadly attacks of September 11, 2001.
As will all who attack this great nation.
Today, we remember nearly 3,000 souls taken far too soon. We pray for them as well as for their families and friends.
And for our nation. God bless America.
Question of the Week will return next Friday.
Last Week: Debates?
Last week's question was about presidential and vice presidential candidate debates. We want to know if you will be watching the debates? And, if so, is there a possibility something said could change your choice of candidate? Or are you committed, no matter what?
From www.facebook.com/texarkanagazette
- Yes.
- My mind won't change.
- I'm locked in ready to vote but will be entertaining to watch debates.
- Curious minds want to know!
- Debates should happen this year and for the next 100 years!
- Of course there should be debates as there have always been! There are ways to have debates and still abide by the COVID rules.
- I will definitely watch the debates. I will not be changing my mind, I know how I'll be voting.