By — Taylor Byrne

Eighteen years ago on September 11th 2001, horrible attacks occurred in New York City, the Pentagon, and Shanksville Pennsylvania where many men, women, and brave first responders lost their lives. Every year on this day, we take a few moments to remember those lives lost, and pay our respects.

On September 11th, 2001 a total of nineteen men hijacked several flights bound for the west coast. The first aircraft proceeded to crash into the North Tower of the World Trade Center at 8:46am. The country was in absolute shock that something so catastrophic could happen so suddenly on American soil. Seventeen minutes later the second attack happened, as the south tower of the World Trade Center was struck down. From those two attacks, a total of 2,753 people lost their lives, 403 of those were first responder, who risked their lives to save others.

What seemed like the end to heartbreaking day in american history was only the beginning. Thirty- four minutes later in Washington D.C. the third plane struck the Pentagon building, 184 people were killed. All that people could do was watch the news from their televisions in horror as the U.S. took hit after devastating hit. Just before 10:00am the South tower completely collapsed in a span of 10 seconds. Three seconds later the fourth and final aircraft crashed in a field in Pennsylvania after the passengers tried to regain control, but sadly failed, 40 lives were lost. After what seemed like a lifetime of absolute quiet, the final devastation befell as the north tower crumbled. The total time between the first attack and the collapse of the north tower was 102 minutes with 2,977 casualties, 2,977 men, women, and children lost their lives eighteen years ago.

After the attacks, New York was the quietest it has ever been. Fear gripped every last person as families wondered if their loved ones were still alive. It was a horrible day, that we as a country have never fully recovered from.

This day holds a lot of emotions for many people, as some lost family, friends, or had to experience the horror of wondering what was next, and if their loved ones were okay. This is why we remember September 11th, because it is a day in American history that should never be forgotten. So take a moment to sit and think of all those who passed on that day eighteen years ago, and remember those who risked their lives to help others. This day made us stronger, and come together as a nation to heal.