On September 11th 2001, at 08.46hrs (13.46 UK time) an American Airlines Boeing 767, operating as Flight 11, slams into the North Tower of the World Trade Centre after being hijacked by terrorists.

As news agencies report the incident with conflicting stories, Flight 175, another hijacked 767 operated by United Airlines, hurtles towards Manhattan, NYC.

At 09.02hrs, Flight 175 smashes into the South Tower at almost 600mph - captured live on television.

F-15’s scramble from Otis Air National Guard Base to intercept Flight 11, but they’re too late and are sent out to a holding pattern near Long Island.

Confusion reigns as air controllers work hard to make sense of the unfolding situation.

Meanwhile, Flight 77, a Boeing 757 operated by American Airlines is hijacked shortly after leaving Washington.

The aircraft turns back towards D.C. and smashes into the west side of the Pentagon at 09.37hrs.

At 09.45hrs, the US closes all National airspace.

At the time, roughly 500 flights are crossing the Atlantic Ocean.

Canada activates Operation Yellow Ribbon accommodating many of the US bound aircraft at airports including Gander & Halifax.

Similar occurs for Pacific flights.

Meanwhile, Flight 93, a Boeing 757 operated by United Airlines is under control of hijackers.

Passengers and crew learn of the earlier attacks and attempt to retake the aircraft.

At 10.03hrs, Flight 93 crashes into a field in Pittsburgh, Somerset County killing all on board.

It is believed Flight 93 was bound for the White House or US Capitol Building.

The selfless bravery of the passengers and crew ensured the failure of the final four terrorists.

The famous ‘let’s roll’ command of Todd Beamer as they attempted to retake the aircraft immortalised.

As a result of the terrorist attacks that day - 2,977 were killed & 25,000 more were injured.

Over the years, many more would go on to develop health issues as a result of being present.

Many were (and are) first responders - over 200 firefighters have since died.

Of the 2,977 victims on September 11th 2001, 412 were emergency service personnel:

• 343 FDNY Firefighters
• 37 PAPD/NJPD officers
• 23 NYPD officers
• 8 private EMTs/Paramedics
• 1 Patrolman of the NY Fire Patrol

67 British citizens lost their lives on that terrible day.

They are remembered at the Queen Elizabeth II Garden, Hanover Sq, NYC.

Numbers of other international victims include:

24
10
18
47
13
11
41
10
16
24
15
16
28
14

... there are many more.

On September 11th 2011, I was fortunate enough to travel with the UK Police contingent to New York City for the 10th anniversary.

It was an honour to march from Brooklyn to Ground Zero that day and pay our respects.

I have been back to NYC many times and strongly recommend the 9/11 visitor centre:

Be warned, it’s an emotional rollercoaster. https://911tributemuseum.org 

I also recommend Freedom Tower and the memorial pools where the original towers once stood.

Lest We Forget.

#911anniversary #911Memorial
#September11th #WorldTradeCenter
#NewYorkCity #NewYork #Flight93