9/11 Revisited
by: Susan Brantley
Ecclesiastes 3:1-8, (NKJV): “To everything there is a season, and a time for every purpose under heaven: A time to be born, And a time to die; A time to plant, And a time to pluck what is planted; A time to kill, And a time to heal; A time to break down, And a time to build up; A time to weep, And a time to laugh; A time to mourn, And a time to dance; A time to cast away stones, And a time to gather stones; A time to embrace, And a time to refrain from embracing; A time to gain, And a time to lose; A time to keep; And a time to throw away; A time to tear, And a time to sew; A time to keep silence, And a time to speak; A time to love, And a time to hate; A time of war, and a time of peace.”
Nineteen terrorists, who were all members of the Al-Qaeda terrorist organization, planned an attack that would kill as many Americans as possible. Their weapons of choice were four airplanes. Their targets were the World Trade Center, The Pentagon, and the Capitol.
The first plane hit the North Tower of the World Trade Center at 8:46 A.M., and the second plane hit the South Tower at 9:03 A.M. The Pentagon was hit on the west side where the Department of Defense was housed. One hundred eighty-nine precious souls at the Pentagon lost their lives while doing their jobs and making sure we all continued to stay safe.
United Flight 93 was rerouted and headed for the Capitol. The high-jackers placed the passengers and crew into the back of the plane. Thirteen people made 37 phone calls to family members and to the authorities. They heard about the other attacks and were determined to keep this plane from hitting the Capitol. They decided to regain control of the plane. When they could not, the plane crashed near Shanksville, Pennsylvania. The Black Box recovered from the crash site told the story of the bravery of those aboard that flight, knowing they were facing their own deaths. When the plane crashed, they were eighteen minutes from the Capitol.
That morning everything was normal. Breakfasts were being served, lunches were being made, and kids were being dropped off at school with hugs and kisses from their parents. “I-love-yous were being said to their children and their spouses. They never dreamed that this was the last time they would ever see their families. Their earthly ties would soon be broken, and they would step into eternity...
The North and South Towers collapsed within a half hour of each other. Fires, twisted metal, and falling debris was everywhere. The Firefighters entered the collapsed buildings even with all the debris still falling. The jet fuel made the fires burn hotter, and there was twisted metal and possibly live wires everywhere, but that didn’t stop the Firefighters from entering the buildings, hoping to find people they could rescue and save. Three hundred forty-three Firefighters lost their lives trying to save others. There were many heroes that day, and we will never forget their sacrifices. John 15:13, (KJV), says: “Greater love hath no man than this, than to lay down his life for his friends.”
After the attacks we were all united in a common cause—getting justice for the victims and punishing the perpetrators. Our national patriotism reached an all-time high. We wept openly for the victims and their families, and we prayed openly without fear of repercussions. Flags flew proudly all over the nation, whether in yards, at school events, or flying proudly over the nation’s capital. If you see the flag flying in the breeze and it does not bring a tear to your eyes—well, it should!
I remember Kali closed her Lads to Leaders/Leaderettes speech from 2001 with these words: “Oh my God, I trust in Thee, Let me not be ashamed, Let not mine enemies triumph over me.” [lyrics from song entitled: Unto Thee O Lord, music by Charles F. Monroe (1971), words from Psalm 25:1, 2-3, 7].
I would like to close with Psalm 23, (KJV): “The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou annointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.”
Number of deaths: 2,997. [reference material from: History.com].