On the morning of September 11, 2001, our world changed forever. That day the worst terrorist attack in US history took the lives of 2977 individuals. In a planned attack against symbolic targets in the United States, al-Qaeda terrorists hijacked four commercial airliners. The terrorists then flew two of the planes into a symbol of economic power, the World Trade Center in New York City. The Pentagon, a symbol of military power, was the target of the third plane. The fourth plane, headed to the center of political power, potentially the US Capitol or White House, crashed in a Pennsylvania field.
We will never forget that day and the following weeks and months as we watched the news reports. Memorials are now available at each location to honor the lives of those who perished. My husband and I have visited these three national memorials. Each one is unique and provides the story of that day from many angles.
New York City – National September 11 Memorial & Museum
The National September 11th Memorial & Museum honors the 2,983 people who were killed in all the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001 as well as the World Trade Center attack on February 26, 1993. The memorial and
museum is located in New York City on the spot where the World Trade Center buildings once stood. It was created to be a place of remembrance of those killed and to honor those who risked their lives to save others. It also focuses on the courage and compassion shown in the aftermath of the attacks. In an upcoming post you may read more information on our visit to the 911 Memorial and Museum.
Virginia – National 9/11 Pentagon Memorial
The Pentagon Memorial was created to remember and honor those who lost their lives in the events of September 11, 2001 at the Pentagon. Hijacked American Airlines Flight 77 crashed into the Pentagon at 9:37 a,m, taking the lives of 184 individuals 
in the building and on board the plane. Located on site at the Pentagon, the National 9/11 Pentagon Memorial has a peaceful park-like atmosphere. A detailed account of our visit to the Pentagon Memorial will soon be available.
Pennsylvania – Flight 93 National Memorial
The Flight 93 National Memorial honors the individuals who sacrificed their lives on United flight 93 on September 11, 2001. At 9:28 a.m., hijackers seated in first class incapacitated the captain and first officer and turned the plane southeast. The US Capitol in Washington DC was most likely the target. The passengers heard of the other incidents happening that morning and decided to rush the cockpit. The plane went down in a field in Somerset County 
Pennsylvania just 18 minutes flying time to Washington DC. The crash killed all 33 passengers, seven crew members and the four hijackers. The heroic efforts of the crew and passengers prevented an even greater potential tragedy. Read about our two visits to the Flight 93 Memorial in this post.
Visiting these 911 National Memorials can be very emotional. It is difficult to hear the stories of the events and individuals involved on that horrific day. However, it allows us to better understand what happened and honor the memory of those who died. As we empathize with the victims, their families and friends, may we seek ways to rid our world of the prejudice and hate that causes such grievous acts. Then, we will have a much better world in which to live.