For many across the nation Sept. 11, 2001, they awoke that morning to their regular routines, heading off to work, school, or wherever life had planned for them that particular day. What many had presumed would be just another normal day in the United States…quickly turned into a national nightmare. Nineteen al-Qaeda terrorists hijacked four commercial airplanes to wreak an unimaginable amount of death and destruction on American soil.
A quarter-century ago today, two flights, American Airlines Flight 11 and United Airlines Flight 175, crashed directly into the Twin Towers at the World Trade Center in New York City. Those two towering skyscrapers, once staples of the city skyline, were sent crumbling to the ground veiled in flame and smoke. Within the hour of the Twin Tower attacks, American Airlines Flight 77 crashed into the Pentagon in Washington, D.C causing extensive structural damage and a massive jet fuel fire that burned for hours across multiple floors. The fourth plane, United Airlines Flight 93, never made it to its intended destination as the brave passengers stormed the cockpit and seized control, bringing the plane down in Shanksville, Pa.
Sept. 11, 2001, was cemented in history as the deadliest terrorist attack on American soil. A total of 2,977 people from 93 nations lost their lives and more than 6,000 were injured, with 2,753 killed in New York, 194 killed at the Pentagon, and 40 killed on Flight 93. All eyes were turned to watch these horrific events happen in real-time, shaking not just our nation but many across the globe to their core. It was deemed a day we would “never forget.” And as we reflect on that day 25 years ago, that statement continues to reign true with all of us as we reflect on that fateful day and how our nation rallied together in its darkest hour, uplifting each other through the tragedy and instilling pride and strength in the American people.
At Norfolk Naval Shipyard (NNSY), our military and civilians continue to honor the fallen each year with the annual Patriot Day Fall-In for Colors Sept. 11. Hosted by the NNSY First Class Petty Officer Association (FCPOA) in collaboration with the NNSY Veterans Network, this ceremony provided the workforce opportunity to honor the memory and sacrifice of those who lost their lives during the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks.
“For those of us who bore witness to the events of that day, it’s shocking to think that a quarter century has passed, because it’s so deeply seared into our memories as Americans,” said Shipyard Commander Rear Admiral Kavon Hakimzadeh. “Our nation was shaken to its core by an act of terrorism that left a scar across our hearts. Though one of our darkest days as a nation, we also witnessed the very best of the American spirit. We saw it in the unparalleled bravery of the firefighters, police officers, paramedics, and military personnel who ran toward danger to save others. We saw it in the ordinary citizens who became extraordinary heroes in a matter of minutes, endangering and in many cases even sacrificing themselves so that others might live.”
Hakimzadeh added, “Here at America’s Shipyard, the legacy of 9/11 carries a profound and direct connection to our daily mission in service to our nation’s fleet. In the days, weeks, and years following the attacks, the United States military was called upon to demonstrate its might and combat terrorism around the world. That power would have been impossible without the hands, minds, and tireless dedication of all of you, our shipyard workforce. Thousands of dedicated individuals, from skilled craftsmen, engineers, technicians, administrators, and more, stand together shoulder-to-shoulder with our military – driving excellence every single day as we work to return our Navy assets back to the fleet, ready to serve at the front lines in defense of our nation.”
The ceremony also included participation from Navy firefighters, police officers, and paramedics; an invocation and benediction from NNSY/Naval Support Activity-Portsmouth Chaplain Lt. Anthony Johnson; a detailed September 11, 2001 timeline as well as an honor for Old Glory provided by the FCPOA; and musical accompaniment by the U.S. Fleet Forces Band bugler Musician Senior Chief Petty Officer (MUCS) Collin Reichow, NNSY Command Master Chief (CMC) Stephanie Canteen, and bagpiper Lt. Col. (Ret.) Thomas Metz.
“It is an important time to be amongst our friends and colleagues as we remember and never forget Sept. 11, 2001,” said Nuclear Machinist’s Mate Chief (MMNC (sel.)) Timothy Harrison. “We honor the courage of those who put themselves in harm’s way to save others. We come together with prayer and gratitude for the strength that has fortified us across these 25 years, and we renew the love and faith that binds us together as an American family.”
“As we observe this somber anniversary, remember that our strength lies in our unity and commitment to the mission,” said Hakimzadeh. “The security of our nation is forged right here on our deckplates, through the sweat, expertise, and dedication of this civilian-military team. Thank you for what you do every day to keep our Navy fit to fight. Together, as one unified team, let’s continue to lead with integrity, shake up the status quo as needed, and continue to deliver unmatched excellence for our Navy and our nation.”