"A great people has been moved to defend a great nation. Terrorist attacks can shake the foundations of our biggest buildings, but they cannot touch the foundation of America. These acts shattered steel, but they cannot dent the steel of American resolve. This enemy attacked not just our people, but all freedom-loving people everywhere in the world. The United States of America will use all our resources to conquer this enemy. We will rally the world. We will be patient, we will be focused, and we will be steadfast in our determination. This battle will take time and resolve. But make no mistake about it; we WILL win."

On September 11, 2001, the World Trade Center in New York City and the Pentagon were attacked by terrorists. Another attack was interrupted when the airplane crashed in Pennsylvania. Thousands of innocent lives have been lost and my deepest sympathies go to all the family and friends of these innocent souls.

Memories are forever etched in my mind.......I stood and watched, on television, planes plow into the World Trade Center. I stood and watched the horrible explosions knowing that many innocent people were inside...people who thought this was to be just another normal Tuesday morning work day....I watched the towers tumble, debris going everywhere and the smoke fill what was to become "Ground Zero". I watched people running for their lives and screaming in terror. What an absolute nightmare....I will always remember the images, I will always remember the people who lost their lives, people who were innocent angels, people whose last seconds were filled with terror.

As the days wore on, other events filled my mind. The firefighters, police and many many others working so hard to help the survivors. The many brave men and women risking their own lives to save others. The New Yorkers coming together, becoming one family. The whole nation becoming one family as we all try to help our fellow Americans in New York. The prayer vigils all around the world. THIS IS WHAT AMERICA IS ALL ABOUT!!!! Extending our hand to help people in need. The people who committed this horrendous act accomplished nothing for their cause......what they did accomplish is make us and America stronger. God Bless America

7:58 a.m. - United Airlines Flight 175 leaves Boston for Los Angeles with 65 people on board; a few minutes after 8:00 a.m., American Airlines Flight 11 takes off for Los Angeles with 92 people on board and United Airlines Flight 93 leaves Newark for San Francisco with 45 people on board. Another American Airlines Flight 77 leaves Washington Dules at 8:21 a.m. All four planes are hijacked by terrorists.

8:46 a.m. - The first plane, American Flight 11, crashes into the north tower of the World Trade Center.

9:03 a.m. - United Flight 175 crashes in the south tower of the WTC.

9:43 a.m. - American Flight 77 plows into the Pentagon with 50 people on board.

Between 10-11 a.m., the towers of the World Trade Center collapse and the United Airlines Flight 93 crashes 80 miles southeast of Pittsburgh, PA. It is thought this plane was either headed for the Capitol, The White House or Camp David.

For the first time, The Federal Aviation Administration grounds all flights. The White House is evacuated and all other federal buildings are evacuated. The U.S. financial markets are closed.