On September 11, 2001, a tragic event occurred that changed the world forever. It was a terrorist attack that took place in the United States of America, specifically in New York City. This event is known as 9/11, and it is one of the most significant moments in modern history. Here are nine facts about 9/11 for kids.
1. What happened? On that tragic day, four planes were hijacked by terrorists who flew them into buildings. Two planes crashed into the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center, and another plane crashed into the Pentagon. The fourth plane was headed towards Washington D.C., but the passengers fought the terrorists and the plane crashed in a field in Pennsylvania.
2. Why did it happen? The terrorists were members of a group called Al-Qaeda, and they wanted to attack the United States because they disagreed with American policies and beliefs.
3. Who were the victims? There were almost 3,000 people who lost their lives on 9/11, including passengers on the four planes, people inside the buildings, and first responders who tried to rescue people.
4. The Twin Towers: The two towers of the World Trade Center were very tall, with 110 floors each. They were the tallest buildings in New York City, and many people worked there. After the attack, both towers collapsed, which was one reason why so many people were killed.
5. Heroic actions: On 9/11, many people showed great courage and bravery. Firefighters and police officers rushed to help people in need, and many ordinary citizens became heroes by helping others evacuate the buildings.
6. Memorials: After 9/11, many people wanted to honor those who had lost their lives. Memorials were built in New York City, Washington D.C., and Pennsylvania to remember the victims.
7. No planes in the sky: After the attacks, all the airports in the United States were closed, and all commercial flights were grounded. This meant that there were no planes flying in the sky above the United States. It was a surreal and eerie feeling.
8. A global response: The attacks on 9/11 were felt all over the world. Many countries expressed their condolences and support for the United States, and there were international efforts to track down and bring to justice those responsible for the attacks.
9. Remembering and honoring: Every year, on September 11th, people all over the United States observe a moment of silence at 8:46 a.m., the time when the first plane hit the Twin Towers. It is a time to remember and honor those who were lost, and to reflect on how the world has changed since that day.
