The document summarizes the events and aftermath of September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks in the United States. It discusses how the attacks changed America forever, killing over 3,000 people. It describes how the U.S. responded by toppling the Taliban regime in Afghanistan that had harbored al-Qaeda. The document also reflects on the memorials built at the Pentagon and Arlington National Cemetery to honor those who died defending American freedom.

1. Remembering 9/11, Pages in History T he attacks of September 11, 2001 will forever “September 11 is one of our worst days but
Dedication & Commemoration
be burned into our memories. The images of it brought out the best in us. It unified us as a
the towers falling in New York, an aircraft down country and showed our charitable instincts and
in Pennsylvania and the Pentagon in flames reminded us of what we stood for and stand for.”
- Lamar Alexander
changed all of us forever. Over 3000 people,
Americans and hundreds of other nationalities of
“A great people has been moved to defend a great nation. Terrorist attacks every race and creed perished at the hands of “The attacks of September 11th were intended
can shake the foundations of our biggest buildings, but they cannot touch (19) misguided religious extremists who hijacked to break our spirit. Instead we have emerged
not only four jet airliners, but also one of the stronger and more unified. We feel renewed
the foundation of America. These acts shattered steel, but they cannot dent
world’s great religions. devotion to the principles of political, economic
the steel of American resolve.America was targeted for attack because It did not take long for America to respond and religious freedom, the rule of law and respect
we’re the brightest beacon for freedom and opportunity in the world. And no to the attacks. Within weeks, the Taliban for human life. We are more determined than ever
one will keep that light from shining.” government that provided a safe haven to to live our lives in freedom.”
- Rudolph W. Giuliani
Usamah bin Ladin and his al-Qaeda jihadists was
- President George W. Bush
toppled. Millions of Afghans began the difficult
September 11, 2001 road to democracy. The price paid in 2001 for “September 11 impressed upon us that life is
their opportunity to experience freedom was a precious gift. Every life has a purpose. And I
borne by the same group of Americans who have think we all have a duty to devote at least a small
provided that same opportunity for hundreds of portion of our daily lives to ensuring that neither
millions over decades - the men and women of America nor the world ever forgets September 11.
- Bill Frist
America’s armed forces.
The most famous symbol of America’s military
might is the Pentagon, the five-sided monolith “No matter how hard we try words simply
on the banks of the Potomac River. More cannot express the horror, the shock, and the
sobering, a glance to the west from the Pentagon revulsion we all feel over what took place in this
underscores the high price of America’s freedom nation on Tuesday morning. September 11 will go
and that of countless others around the world - down in our history as a day to remember.”
- Billy Graham
the hundreds and hundreds of rows of stark white
headstones that cover the hillsides of Arlington
National Cemetery. It is here that the currency “September 11 was, and remains, above all an
of freedom is banked. Anyone who has attended immense human tragedy. But September 11 also
a ceremony at Arlington will never forget it - the posed a momentous and deliberate challenge
flag on the coffin, the honor guard in full dress not just to America but to the world at large. The
uniform, the crack of the rifles firing volleys as target of the terrorists was not only New York
Taps is played on the bugle, the snap of the flag and Washington but the very values of freedom,
as it is folded into the familiar triangle of blue, tolerance and decency which underpin our way
and the reverence of fellow warriors as another of life.”
- Tony Blair
American hero is laid to rest.
Americans remain deployed around the
world - many in harm’s way - in the defense of “Five years have come, and five years have
freedom; the funerals at Arlington continue. Young gone, and still we stand together as one. We come
Americans from all walks of life from across the back to this place to remember the heartbreaking
country continue to volunteer to join the armed anniversary — and each person who died here —
forces, knowing full well the risks of stepping those known and unknown to us, whose absence
forward at a time of war. The risk is real - over is always with us.”
- Michael Bloomberg
4000 American troops have already fallen in
the global war on terror, and more will pay the
ultimate sacrifice as Americans refuse to bend to
the will of those who would rob us of our hard-
earned liberties. Pentagon 9-11 Victims Memorial (photography by Tom Field)
Those who would rob us of our liberties came
to our shores on the morning of September 11,
2001 with the goal of changing America. They did
- we will never be the same; the world will never
be the same. With renewed purpose, Americans
will stand and fight for their freedoms, and the
freedoms of others.
Rick Francona
Author, Media Analyst, Intelligence Officer
9 Best of DC Best of DC 11