OH+Research


 * Oral History Topic:** The World Trade Center and Pentagon Attacks of 9/11: From the Eyes of a New Yorker

**Interview Subject:** Lori Kahn (my mother)

The attacks on September 11, 2001 will forever be notorious as the worst terrorist strike in our nation’s history. On a bright, sunny morning in the Northeast, 19 al-Qaeda militants hijacked four aircraft carriers and executed the infamous terror assaults. The first attack came at approximately 8:45 am when American Airlines Flight 11, coming from Boston, crashed and hit the north tower of the World Trade Center. This collision left a burning hole near the 80th floor, trapping and killing many. Following the initial onslaught, United Airlines Flight 175 from Boston hit the south tower near the 60th floor. 40 minutes later, American Airlines Flight 77 from Washington, D.C. crashed into the Pentagon building. After these three attacks on crucial locations in America, United Airlines Flight 93 crashed in a field in rural Pennsylvania, reportedly heading for the Capitol or perhaps the White House. All of these attacks were cross-country flights and were carrying full loads of fuel. 266 passengers aboard these four airplanes were killed, along with more than the 3,000 deaths of workers in these buildings. 9/11 also resulted the demise of 343 firefighters, whose valiance and courage led to them paying the ultimate price and resulted in the largest amount of casualties for New York City firemen. "I have a sense it's a horrendous number of lives lost," said New York City mayor Rudolph Giuliani. "Right now we have to focus on saving as many lives as possible."

Immediate action was taken. Air traffic into the United States was stopped instantly and all incoming flights were rerouted to Canada. Borders soon closed and a majority of federal institutions shut down. In addition, famous American landmarks from the White House to the UN Headquarters to Disneyland were all evacuated. Stock exchanges were down and much of the commotion in Manhattan came to a standstill. However, New York City workers left their offices and walked home amongst the soot and sirens flooding the streets. In the first couple of days following what had occurred, the extent of the damage caused had not been made clear. Nevertheless, the local and distant uproar and support had become quite evident. Rescue crews continued in their missions, digging through the mountains of rubble. The stock market did not reopen until September 17th. Airlines announced lay-offs following consumer apprehension to fly and stores reported runs on basic goods. There was also an immense desire to help out after the travesty. Many filled the streets to donate blood to hospitals and donations to organizations such as the Red Cross reached staggering heights. The U.S. government initiated the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund, providing funding to the families of victims who did not to file any lawsuits related to the attacks. For the first time, NATO referred to Article 5 of the North Atlantic Treaty, which says, “an attack on one member of the alliance is an attack on all members and calls for the implementation of collective self defense.” Needless to say, the massive measures taken reflect the severity of the ensuing events.

Contrary to previous terrorist plots, no single person claimed responsibilities for the ensuing events. Due to the enormous expansion and sophistication of the plan, though, many fingers were pointed to Osama bin Laden, a well known al Qaeda militant who had been the leader of previous operations such as the World Trade Center bombings in 1993 and the US Embassy bombings in Africa in 1988. This led to all nations cutting ties with Afghanistan’s Taliban government and after American troops, conquering the regime, Afghanistan formed a US supported government. During the aftermath, President George W. Bush organized the Department of Homeland Security, a part of the Cabinet used to fight against domestic terrorism. Bush was the first president since FDR to call an emergency joint session in Congress on Sept. 20 and it was on this day when he stated, “This is not, however, just America's fight. And what is at stake is not just America's freedom. This is the world's fight. This is civilization's fight.” A year following these horrific events, Bush created the National Commission on Terrorist Attacks Upon the United States, which was used to investigate anything regarding the events leading up to the attacks, including any failures that might have happened. He also stated that, "Terrorist attacks can shake the foundations of our biggest buildings, but they cannot touch the foundation of America. These acts shatter steel, but they cannot dent the steel of American resolve." This pivotal event was a turning point in American society and security and continues to shape our nation’s growth today.

Works Cited:

History.com. "9/11 Attacks — History.com Articles, Video, Pictures and Facts." //History.com — History Made Every Day — American & World History//. A&E Television Networks. Web. 30 May 2011. .

Schmemann, Serge. "U.S. ATTACKED; President Vows to Exact Punishment for 'Evil' - New York Times." //The New York Times - Breaking News, World News & Multimedia//. The New York Times Company, 12 Sept. 2001. Web. 30 May 2011. .

"World Trade Center and Pentagon attacks." // American History //. ABC-CLIO, 2011. Web. 30 May 2011.

**Media** Check out this interactive featuring various videos from different locations during the 9/11 attacks: http://www.history.com/topics/9-11-attacks/interactives/witness-to-911#/home/ A video on the collapse of the North Tower and stories of those who escaped or who had loved ones inside: media type="custom" key="9607562" width="210" height="210"