We Will Never Forget

September 11, 2001

September 11, 2001, was a day that started like any other weekday in New York City. That would change at 8:46 am when American Airlines Flight 11 crashed into the north tower of the World Trade Center.

United Airlines Flight 175 would crash into the south tower at 9:03, and American Airlines Flight 77 would crash into the Pentagon at 9:37. United Airlines Flight 93 crashed at 10:03 in a field during the passenger’s efforts to stop the hijackers. Flight 93’s intended target was likely the White House or the Capital Building.

The attack resulted in the deaths of nearly 3,000 people, including first responders, military personnel, and the hijackers themselves. About 25,000 people were injured. 410 brave first responders gave their lives in the line of duty.

The PragerU video sums it up nicely: https://www.prageru.com/video/9-11-we-must-never-forget

I would like to showcase 1) the courage of the people on Flight 93 and 2) how God has used Brian Birdwell, who survived the September 11^th attacks.

United Airlines Flight 93

This flag flies above the gate Flight 93 departed from.

At 8:42 am, United Airlines Flight 93 departed from Newark Liberty International Airport en route to San Francisco.

At 9:28 the hijacking began with two terrorists storming the cockpit. At 9:47, after the hijackers had gained control of the aircraft, the passengers began their revolt.

From the cockpit, the pilots interfered with the hijacker’s efforts, by tampering with the flight controls. Meanwhile, the passengers and remaining crew fought to regain access to the cockpit to stop the hijackers and give the pilots control back.

Throughout all this, the hijackers rolled the plane from side to side. Even these evasive movements couldn’t stop the passengers and their mission.

At 10:03, knowing it was impossible to keep flying, the hijackers crashed the plane in a field in Stonycreek Pennsylvania, about 20 minutes away from Washington D.C.

If it hadn’t been for the brave men and women on board Flight 93, who knows what further tragedy would have been experienced.

Let us honor these 40 people who gave their lives to save countless others. 

Brain Birdwell

Lt. Col. Brian Birdwell was working at the Pentagon on the day of the attack.

Entering a hallway on his way back to his desk, the wall of the corridor he was in exploded, throwing Birdwell off his feet and sending him into agonizing pain.

Birdwell was left with third-degree burns all over his body and a long road to recovery in front of him. Despite all of this he kept his eyes fixed on God and relied on Him fully.

After the events of 9/11, Brian Birdwell was inspired by God to begin speaking all around the world proclaiming the Good News of the Gospel.

He also launched a nonprofit organization that served critical-burn survivors and their families.

He currently serves as the republican representative for Texas Senate District 22.

Brian Birdwell is living proof of how God can use someone despite tragedy for His purposes.

Conclusion

Despite the tragedy and the evil of 9/11, it sparked in Americans a tremendous sense of patriotism, which ultimately united the country.

George W. Bush said, “Terrorist attacks can shake the foundations of our biggest buildings, but they cannot touch the foundation of America. These acts shatter steel, but they cannot dent the steel of American resolve.”

Romans 8:28 says, “And we know that all things work together for good for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose.”

Let us never forget the innocent lives that were lost, along with those who willingly gave their lives to save others.