Today we ask that you take the time to reflect, remember and honor those who lost their lives and their families. Twenty years ago today, September 11, 2001, the world lost 2,996 lives, from 78 countries, in an unprovoked attack on the United States. These attacks were at the World Trade Center in New York City, the Pentagon in Washington D.C and Flight 93, which crashed near Shanksville, Pennsylvania.

At 8:46 a.m. the first of two hijacked planes struck the North Tower of the World Trade Center as thousands of civilians began their normal work day. Hundreds were killed and trapped in the upper floors in that instance. The second plane struck the South Tower, at 9:03 a.m., shocking not only the United States but the world. New York City firefighters, police and other emergency responders and civilians entered both the North and South Towers of the World Trade Center to assist in rescue and evacuation efforts. Emergency Responders doing so, in the scope of their duty and civilians in the aspect of knowing that help was needed and unknowingly of the events that would unfold and lead to their untimely loss of life.

This date would become the single one day largest loss of personnel to the Fire Department of New York, New York City Police Department and Port Authority Police. The FDNY lost 343 firefighters and paramedics, the NYPD lost 23 officers and the Port Authority Police lost 37 officers.

At 9:37 a.m., Flight 77 would crash into the west side of the Pentagon. This attack would take the life of 189 individuals of the United States military and civilian employees, who unknowingly, while performing their daily work routine, would lose their life.

We honor the “heroes” of Flight 93, the crew and passengers, who thwarted efforts of the hijackers. Flight 93 crashed into a field outside of Shanksville, Pennsylvania at 10:03 a.m. It was determined the hijackers, had plans to crash the plane into one of three possible targets: the White House, the U.S. Capitol or Camp David. Investigations have increasing evidence that the target was the U.S. Capitol. The bravery of the passengers saved countless numbers of lives, in Washington D.C. by their actions.

This date changed the lives of millions of people worldwide. Individuals inspired by the acts of firefighters, police officer, military personnel made a choice to help in search and rescue efforts for the days, weeks and months following. Many individuals, young and old, made career changing choices as a result of this event. Children of fallen firefighters, police officers and military personnel, made a choice to follow their parents’ career choice to honor them.

Limerick Fire Department extends our hearts and prayers out to all those families and their loved ones affected that fateful day.

Never Forget

United in Memory