The Chronology of the Terrorist Attacks of September 11, 2001

Even at the risk of having the publication banned, I will post the photo above.

I was going to write and publish another article about banking routine here, but I left this for tomorrow because if you don't remember, tomorrow will be September 11th, and I thought it was important to write about the terrorist events that happened on this date, in 2001, New York, in the United States.

I remember this day very well, I was on my lunch break at work, which wasn't yet at Banco do Brasil, and I stopped by my parents' house. Mine already had the television on, and told me that a plane had strangely crashed into the World Trade Center, in New York. I remember the television tube screen showing the north tower of the aforementioned complex, in flames, and a few minutes later my hand and I saw the second plane crashing, from the South Tower of the complex. We immediately realized that it was not an accident. Two planes crashing into two buildings, one right next to the other? It couldn't be a coincidence.

Thus, I write about the chronology of the events of that fateful morning of September 11th, which would be marked forever.

The photos I use in this article were from when I visited the place in April 2019. I confess that there is (even if you don't believe in these things), a strange aura and a feeling of death hovering in the place. So much so that nothing was built there. The new complex, called One Trade Center, is next door.

One Trade Center, when I was in New York in 2019.

The date

The terrorist attacks that occurred on September 11, 2001 marked one of the darkest moments in the contemporary history of the United States and the world. This sinister event not only shook the foundations of American national security, but also had global repercussions that continue to this day. In this article, we will detail the chronology of the events of that fateful day, as it is essential to remember and understand the past to avoid future mistakes and promote learning.

Background and Planning

Planning for the September 11 attacks began years earlier, in the shadows of international terrorism. In 1998, the United States suffered the first attacks on its embassies in Tanzania and Kenya, perpetrated by Al-Qaeda, led by Osama bin Laden. These attacks were a prelude of what was to come.

1999 - Advanced Planning

In 1999, members of al-Qaeda began training and meticulous planning for attacks. The group carefully chose its targets, aiming for the heart of the United States: the Twin Towers in New York and the Pentagon in Washington, D.C.

The Day of the Attacks - September 11, 2001

08:46 – North Tower

The fateful day began with American Airlines Flight 11 being hijacked and crashing into the North Tower of the World Trade Center in New York. The impact caused a huge explosion and fire that shocked the world.

The time of the events, displayed at the 9/11 Memorial & Museum, I photographed during my visit in April 2019.

09:03 – South Tower

Just 17 minutes later, United Airlines Flight 175 was also hijacked and crashed into the South Tower of the World Trade Center. Live images broadcast on television clearly showed the horror unfolding.

09:37 – The Pentagon is Targeted

In Washington, D.C., American Airlines Flight 77 was hijacked and crashed into the Pentagon, headquarters of the United States Department of Defense. The heart of national security has been attacked.

10:03 am – United Airlines 93 crash

United Airlines Flight 93, also hijacked, crashed in Pennsylvania after brave passengers tried to regain control of the aircraft. This act of heroism prevented another target in Washington, D.C., from being hit.

The Consequences and the World in Shock

The attacks of September 11, 2001 left the United States and the world in a state of shock. The Twin Towers collapsed, killing thousands of people, including brave firefighters and first responders. The Pentagon suffered significant damage, and the nation was in mourning.

American Response

The United States responded with determination. Then-president George W. Bush announced a "War on Terror", launching the invasion of Afghanistan to dismantle al-Qaeda and hunt down Osama bin Laden.

The Importance of Remembering

Why is it so crucial to remember the attacks of September 11, 2001? The answer is simple: to prevent such tragedies from recurring in the future. Terrorism is a constant threat, and vigilance is necessary to protect innocent lives.

9/11 Memorial & Museum built at the site of the attacks. You can still see part of the remaining structure and things that remained at the site - such as a completely destroyed fire engine that was taken out of the rubble. My visit in April 2019.

Conclusion

The terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001 are a dark chapter in history that will never be forgotten. Remembering these tragic events not only honors the victims and heroes, but also serves as a reminder that unity and vigilance are fundamental in the pursuit of world peace and security. We learn from the past to shape a better future.

And there are people who say that this never happened, and that it was just an attack invented by the United States to invade Afghanistan...

The September 11th memorial, where all the names of the victims are. The hole next to it was where the buildings were. Nothing was built on the site. My visit in 2019.