” Remembering the US 9/11 Tragedy ” – September 11, 2020.

          Today,  September 11, 2020,  marks the 19th  Anniversary of the  US  9/11  Tragedy.

          If there has been a single event with its impact and restoration that bears testimony to USA living true to an example of the World’s Super Power, it was the 9/11 Tragedy.

          Officially known as the  “Patriot Day”,  it is a day to remember, respect, and rehabilitate the heroes loved and lost in that tragedy with full strength and spirit of the citizenry.

          It is worth remembering what Rudy Giuliani, the then Mayor of New York City said :  ” The attacks of September 11th were intended to break our spirit. Instead we have emerged stronger and more united. We feel renewed devotion to the principles of political, economic, and religious freedom, the rule of law and respect for human life. We are more determined than ever to live our lives in freedom “.

          President, Donald Trump, will visit the Flight 93 National Memorial in Pennsylvania, today. Joe Biden, former VP and presumptive nominee of the Democratic Party, will also visit the Memorial today.

          About 9/11 in brief :

          A series of 4 coordinated terrorist attacks by the Islamic terrorist group, Al-Qaeda, against the US on the morning of Tuesday, September 11, 2001. The twin towers of the World Trade Center, Pentagon, and  Somerset, Pennsylvania were the targets.

          American Airlines Boeing 767 loaded with 20000 gallons of jet fuel crashed into the North Tower of the World Trade Center in New York City at 8.45 a.m. It hits between floors 93 and 99.

          United Airlines Flight 175 struck the World Trade Center’s South Tower, causing it to burn at 9.30 a.m.

          United Airlines Flight 93 crashed into an open field in Somerset County, Pennsylvania, killing all passengers, crew members, and terrorists on board.

          19 hijackers belonging to the Al-Qaeda group committed the attacks. Deaths included 2606 in the World Trade Centers ;  265 on the four planes (including the terrorists) ;  and 125 at the Pentagon.

          Everyone in the Windows on the World, the greatest restaurant New York City has ever seen, located on the 107th floor of the WTC giving a soaring view of Manhattan, Brooklyn, and New Jersey –  all died. Clean up took 9 months. 1.8 million tons of wreckage cleared.

          Immediate impact/response :  (a) Greater Focus on home life and time spent with family ;  (b)  Higher Church attendance ;  and  (c)  Increased expressions of Patriotism such as the flying of American flags.  US stock markets fell more than 10% in the days immediately after.

          The ability of the two Towers to withstand aircraft impact without immediate collapse (it later collapsed) was a direct function of their design and construction characteristics.

          Fire in Ground Zero continued for 99 days. Ground Zero was 70 feet deep, in Lower Manhattan. ” Freedom Tower” – ‘One World Trade Center’ –  was built on Ground Zero and opened on  April 27, 2006. It has 94 floors.

President, George W Bush.

          September 11  became the  “Patriot Day”  and a National Day of Service and Remembrance. The USA Patriot Act, an act of the US Congress was signed into law by President, George W Bush. War on Terrorism was announced by the President.

          Threatening terrorism against the US is a Class C felony punishable by 10 year’s imprisonment under 18 U.S.  C.  2332 b (c) (1) (g). 

          Here is citing my A to Z of the qualities of Americans that sustained their superiority and helped tide over the most challenging tragedy in the beginning of the new millennium :

          Avant-gardist nation in general and special terms ;  Brilliant minds ;  Courage and Care of every soul ;  Decisive Plans for growth and welfare ;  Exalted ideals and Patriotism ;  Free Enterprise Legend with Fighting Spirit ;  Great Achievers ;  Henotic union with the divine ;  Innate abilities to learn and practice ;  Jurisprudence system influencer ;  Karmic gains ;  Leadership Excellence at several levels ;  Mythical friendship with India ;  Non-pareil of nations ;  Oomph of scientists and innovators ;  Purposeful and powerful goals ;  Quest for truth and knowledge ;  Real World approaches ;  Spirited Communities ;  Trusted allies ;  Unique nation of ideas, talents, and opportunities ;  Victorious Defense Capabilities ;  Winter Wonderland ;  X Factor giving an unyielding aura ;  Yellow-brick-road to freedom that every individual wants to cherish ;  and  Zealous supporters of work, freedom, and dignity.

          Let your pride flourish strong.

   ” Dieu avec nous “

   Friday, September 11,  2020 –  6.19 p.m. (IST)

   Tidbit :  ” America was not built on fear ;  America was built on courage, on imagination, and an unbeatable determination to do the job at hand ” –  Harry  S  Truman.