September 11 News

Number 1 Resource for the Events of 9/11

Last week President of Iran Mahmoud Ahmadinejad held a speech at the UN General Assembly and called the 9/11 incident a “mystery.” Previously he has also said as an engineer he did not think that it was possible for the Twin Tower buildings to come down in that fashion just with 2 planes.

The speech caused several people to walk out, including the U.S., Israel, Ireland and Fiji delegations.

After this incident Al Queda has sent a letter to Iran’s Ahmadinejad asking him to stop the conspiracy theories blaming the U.S. for 9/11 and that they were behind it.

Recently a 9/11 photo featuring the 2 lights that shine in the sky on ground zero on every 9/11 anniversary went viral on twitter. However, the credits to the picture where incorrectly given. The actual photographer John De Guzman noticed this and announced on Twitter that these were his pictures. You will see this amazing picture, which was actually taken in 2010 below (first two images). The rest of the images are from this year. If you would like to view more of John Deguzman’s photos, got to his  Flickr page and you can also purchase his photos from SmugMug.

On 9/11/2001, when it was discovered that Flight 93 may have been hijacked and would probably hit another major target, an F-16 was ordered to track it down and shoot down if necessary. However, due the urgency of the matter, the planes were departed without loading any missiles into them.  The two pilots were confronted about the situation and had agreed that if necessary they would ram their planes into the Flight 93 plane to avoid another disaster.

With only 105 lead-nosed bullets on board, Penney and Colonel Marc Sasseville took to the skies, while two other F-16s waited to be armed with heat-seeking AIM-9 missiles, Penney told C-SPAN television this week.

Heather Penney, then a lieutenant in the Washington DC National Guard, was one of two pilots ordered to take off with the plane.  “We wouldn’t be shooting it down. We would be ramming the aircraft because we didn’t have weapons on board to be able to shoot the airplane down,” Penney said.

She said she thought about possibly ejecting just before impact.

“I would essentially be a kamikaze and ram my aircraft into the tail of the aircraft. I gave some thought to, you know, would I have time to eject?”

But the young pilot was concerned about failing to hit the target.

“I mean you only got one chance, you don’t want to eject and have missed, right? “

Flight 93, which was headed from Newark, NJ to San Francisco had already been redirect for Washington, but it never made to its target as the people in the plane discovered what the plan of the hijackers might be and fought the hijackers which resulted in the crash of the plane.

“The people on Flight 93 were heroes, but they were going to die no matter what,” she said. “My concern was how do I minimize collateral damage on the ground.”

Life recently published some of the most powerful photos of 9/11. It has been 10 years since this tragic event and more photos have surfaced ever since. Due to New York being the center of this tragedy and huge population, some great photographers happened to be there and took these pictures.

A photo taken on September 11, 2001 by the New York City Police Department as the North Tower collapses, engulfing lower Manhattan in smoke and ash.

The South Tower of the World Trade Center explodes in flames after being hit by the hijacked airliner now universally known as “the second plane,” United Airlines Flight 175, September 11, 2001. This photo — with its black smoke; the shocking, brilliant, colossal flames; the cloudless sky; the beautiful Brooklyn Bridge flying the American flag — captures so much of the story of the day that, if one were to create a composite picture to illustrate the idea of “9/11,” the result might look very much like this astonishing shot.

Rescue workers carry mortally injured New York City Fire Department chaplain Mychal Judge from the wreckage after he was killed by falling debris while administering last rites to another victim.

a man falls (or leaps, as was evidently the case with many victims) to his death from the World Trade Center. On the morning of September 11 photographer Richard Drew, in the midst of another assignment, got the call to drop everything and head to the World Trade Center. As soon as he arrived downtown he began shooting; later in the day, as as he processed what he had shot, he was especially struck by this photo — and with reason. One of the most recognizable pictures made on 9/11.

Picture of a crowd in Lower Manhattan watching the twin towers burn captures, in one instant, the profound disbelief that held sway in the city and around the world.

On 9/11, witnesses watch flames spew from one of the several buildings — in addition to the Twin Towers — damaged or destroyed in lower Manhattan.

Stunned, frightened Marcy Borders, 28, is covered in dust as she takes refuge in an office building after one of the World Trade Center towers collapsed on 9/11/2001.

Hijacked United Airlines Flight 175 (L) flies toward the World Trade Center twin towers shortly before slamming into the south tower (L) as the north tower burns following an earlier attack by a hijacked airliner in New York City September 11, 2001.

See Part 2 of 9/11 Photos Here.

Here are the second part of most powerful photos of 9/11 as published in “Life.” To view part one, click here.

Lilliputian figures — firefighters stark against the grayish white dust that blanketed so much of lower Manhattan — walk a path cleared of rubble near the base of the destroyed south tower in the days after the attacks on 9/11.

An unidentified New York City fireman walks away from Ground Zero after the collapse of the towers on 9/11.

President George W. Bush was informed by his chief of staff Andrew Card of the attacks on the World Trade Center during a school reading event in Sarasota, Florida. At the time the president got slack for acting so calmly and not reacting right away and instead continuing to read for few more minutes. Later he explained that he didn’t want the students to freak out.

Satellite image of lower Manhattan taken on September 12, 2001, shows smoke and ash rising from the site of the World Trade Center.

Hijacked United Airlines Flight 175 from Boston crashes into the south tower of the World Trade Center (Twin Towers) and explodes at 9:03 a.m. on September 11, 2001 in New York City.

After 9/11, a man standing amid the seemingly endless World Trade Center rubble, calling out for survivors.

A man named “Edward Fine” walks away from ruble of 9/11. He was an owner of an investment and public relations firm; he was on the 78th floor of 1 World Trade Center when it was hit.

On ground zero, a New York City fireman calls for ten more rescue workers to make their way into the rubble after 9/11 attacks.

See part 3 of the 9/11 most powerful photos here.

Here are the Part 3 and last part of the Most Powerful 9/11 photos as published by Life. You can see part 1 and part 2 as well.

This image is probably one of the most famous 9/11 photos. It was made by Bergen Record photographer Thomas E. Franklin on the day of the attacks, eerily calls to mind one of American history’s most iconic pictures: Joe Rosenthal’s 1945 photograph of five Marines and a Navy corpsman raising the Stars and Stripes at Iwo Jima.

Jennifer S. Altman, a freelance photographer, took this picture of the towers ablaze, and far, far below them, one woman wearing an expression of pure horror. Five years later, Altman was invited to the home of the woman in red, Rose Parascandola, who had been working at an online-trading company on the 51st floor of WTC 1 on September 11. “She said that I really captured how she felt. She had seen it in the paper, and that it meant a lot to her.” For Altman, it was a meaningful photo, as well. “It was a turning point in my career. All my skills came together at once in a professional way. But it also made me very aware of my life; I don’t take things for granted.”

Looking West Over St. Paul’s, Lower Manhattan.

Men running from scene after collapse of one twin tower on 9/11/2001.

A man covered in dust walks in the street near the site of the World Trade Center towers in New York City, in this photo taken early September 11, 2001.

The north tower of New York’s World Trade Center collapsing after being struck by hijacked American Airlines Flt. 11, Sept. 11, 2001.

A rescue helicopter surveys damage to the Pentagon as firefighters battle flames after an airplane crashed into the U.S. military Headquarters outside of Washington in an apparent terrorist attack, September 11, 2001.

A firefighter runs from scene of 9/11 after one tower collapses.

Here are a few of the major events and memorial services that will take place on 9/11, 2011 around the country.

Washington, D.C.: Those who died in the attack at the Pentagon will be honored at a ceremony of 700 people, including family members of the deceased and members of the military. It will take place at the Pentagon Memorial, which opened in 2008.

New York City: The 9/11 Memorial will officially open on Sept. 11 with a ceremony for victims’ families at Ground Zero. The Memorial will then open to the public on the next day for visitors who reserved passes in advance. On Sept. 10, Community Board 1 will hold Hands Across Lower Manhattan, an event on the West Side Waterfront.

More 9/11 events in New York City click here.

Shanksville, Pa.: A commemorative service to honor those who died on Flight 93 will take place at 9:30 a.m. ET on Sept. 11 at the Memorial Plaza. Musical tributes, wreath layings, and additional activities will continue throughout the afternoon.

Boston: The 9/11 Berklee Memorial Concert will be held on Sunday, Sept. 11, at 7:30 p.m. at the Berklee Performance Center. This musical tribute marks the 10^th anniversary by showcasing original songs and instrumental by Berklee students and alumni as well as performances by the a cappella group Pitch Slapped and The Slam Poetry Team. Tickets are $8 in advance and $12 at the door. This event is open to the public; however, parking is not available. For more information click here.

Los Angeles: Beverly Hills 9/11 Memorial Garden, 445 North Rexford Drive in Beverly Hills on the North/West corner of Rexford and South Santa Monica Blvd. The memorial, on the fire department grounds, will be dedicated at 4 p.m. with a ceremony in front of the Beverly Hills Fire Department.

More 9/11 events in Los Angeles click here.

Detroit, Michigan:  The University of Michigan, along with Access, WDET and other organizations, will team together to bring events leading up to 9/11. The name of the program is “U.S. Rising: Emerging Voices in Post- 9/11 America.” On Friday, Sept. 9, from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m., on the UM Campus in Dearborn there will be a discussion on how 9/11 shaped young activist lives, moderated by WDET’s Craig Fahle.

On Sunday, Sept., 11 at 5 p.m., there will be an AOK (Act of Kindness) Day at Detroit’s Focus Hope. This event will be geared toward helping to brighten the lives of others. There will be different projects which include park beautification, food packaging, vacant lot cleanup and other events to bring peace and unity.

Houston, Texas: Houston Remembers, 9/11: An Evening of Remembrance and Unity will take place at Discovery Green (1500 McKinney St.) starting at 7 p.m. Sept. 11. The event will begin with a procession of the Houston Police Department Honor Guard. A group of dozen prominent faith leaders will share their sentiments of the occasion. A 30-minute performance by the Houston Grand Opera of “Pieces of 9/11” will follow. Then a film entitled “Rebirth” following the experiences of five people and how their lives have changed in the ten years since 9/11 will be screened. The film will also track the cleanup and rebuilding of Ground Zero, where the World Trade Center once stood. Then the lights will dim, a rifle volley by the Texas A&M Corps of Cadets Ross Volunteers will be fired, taps will be played, and a candlelight vigil will take place to remember the honored dead.

Dallas, Texas: Dallas 9/11 Memorial Stair Climbwill be at Renaissance Tower (1201 Elm St.). This will be the first memorial stair climb in Dallas. Firefighters from across the Metroplex will suit up and climb 110 stories in remembrance of the 343 fallen firefighters who were killed in the events of 9/11. This event is not open to the public; however, each participating firefighter is allowed a small number of guests.

9/11: Reconciliation and Remembrance

will be at St. Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church (8011 Douglas Ave.). This concert event is open to the public and will feature the music of Aaron Copeland, Samuel Barber, David Conte and Ralph Vaughn Williams. Tickets are free and can be picked up at several locations. See the event website for details. Voluntary donations to the American Red Cross will be accepted. The concert will begin at 7 p.m. and go until about 8:30 p.m.

Here are some of the official events and memorial services that will happen in Los Angeles for remembrance of 9/11.

* Pepperdine University. Beginning at 11 a.m. local leaders and dignitaries, including the widow of a Pepperdine alumnus killed on United 93, will read the names of all 2,997 killed in the attacks, including the first responders. The university law will display flags in memory of each of the victims as well. A 1 p.m. screening of the film “United 93,” will be held in the Elkins Auditorium and a 4 p.m. memorial service is planned.

* Pasadena Museum of History. The event will be from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm. Families are free at the museum which will have a hands on flag-making exercise, including an opportunity to create a clay flag pole for displaying the creation. Informative and historical displays will celebrate the role of first responders. You can also take pictures on a vintage police car and hook and ladder truck.

* Beverly Hills 9/11 Memorial Garden, 445 North Rexford Drive in Beverly Hills on the North/West corner of Rexford and South Santa Monica Blvd.  At 4:00pm, the memorial, on the fire department grounds, will be dedicated with a ceremony in front of the Beverly Hills Fire Department.

* Nixon Presidential Library, Events to commemorate the tragedy begin Monday and conclude on Patriot Day with remarks at 10:30 a.m. from Orange County Sheriff Sandra Hutchens and New York Fire Department Lieutenant Joe Torillo, who survived the collapse of both towers. A damaged aerial fire truck which responded to the attack on the Twin Towers and 16 tons of debris from the World Trade Center will be on display. Location is 18001 Yorba Linda Blvd., Yorba Linda.

Here are some of the official events and memorial services that will happen in New York City for remembrance of 9/11.

* Remembrance at Trinity Church

On Sunday, Sept. 11, the historic Trinity Church, at Broadway and Wall Streets near the ground zero site, will ring the Bell of Hope at 8:46 a.m. In the afternoon, at 1:30 p.m., the church will ring the tower bells for an hour of remembrance. At 2:30 p.m., a special service will be held in remembrance of the 9/11 volunteers, first responders, and recovery workers. At 7:14 p.m., an interfaith ringing of the Bell of Hope will again honor the memory of those killed. Admission is free.

* Hand in Hand Remembrance

On Saturday, Sept. 10, thousands of people will join hands to form a human chain along the waterfront in lower Manhattan. The event begins at 8:46 a.m., the time the first plane hit the World Trade Center on 9/11. Afterward, participants may post a message on the Wall of Remembrance at Battery Park. Participation in the hand-holding ceremony is free, but pre-registration is required. Sign up on the event’s website. Organizers will contact you with information on your starting location.

* Opening of the National 9/11 Memorial

The 9/11 Memorial, on the ground zero site, contains two giant waterfalls and two reflecting pools in the footprints of the twin towers, surrounded by the names of the people who died inscribed in bronze panels. The Memorial will be open to the public starting on Monday, Sept. 12. Admission is free, but advance reservations are required. You can reserve a pass on the 9/11 Memorial’s website. Enter at the intersection of Albany and Greenwich streets.

* World Trade Center Memorial Floating Lantern Ceremony

On the evening of Sept. 11, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., the Interfaith Center of New York will host a floating lantern ceremony on the south side of Pier 40 on the Hudson River. Participants will write loved one’s names and messages of peace on paper lanterns and release them into the river. The ceremony includes interfaith prayer, meditation, and musical performances. Admission is free.