Remembering 9/11

SMU honors those who sacrificed everything on 9/11 – a day that changed American history.

by Caleb Tront

Nobody could have imagined the horrific events that were bound to occur on the warm Tuesday morning of September 11th, 2001.

Millions of Americans’ hearts sank as they turned on the morning news to see the unimaginable. 

Chaos and terror broke through the country like never before.

Ashes and debris filled the New York City sky – as two Boeing 767 planes ferociously crashed into the World Trade Center buildings. In total, four planes were brutally hijacked by terrorists with the intention of tearing apart this country by destroying monuments, families, and our freedom. Two planes headed toward the Twin Towers in New York City and successfully crashed into the buildings; another landed just near the Pentagon in Arlington, Virginia, while the fourth aircraft crashed into a field in Pennsylvania, missing its suspected target of the White House. 

Honoring the Heroes and the Fallen

9/11 caused 2,996 casualties, injured hundreds more, and caused billions of dollars worth of damages. However, with all the darkness came a light from our patriots, fellow countries, and others whose stories kept us fighting. This tiny glimpse of illumination shined through the country like the North Star, creating a new America.

To the heroes who sacrificed themselves to fight those terrorists, to the men and women who sprinted into the burning buildings as they collapsed into the crowded streets of New York, and to everyone who acted in some way to stand up for this country and that day, thank you. The inhumane acts of 9/11 took way too many lives too early, but may they be remembered and rest in peace, knowing we will never forget that day. 

Coming Together as a Country and Community 

9/11’s initial destruction left America weak and confused, but quickly people gained strength and hope from uniting with their neighbors. 9/11’s horrific events and aftermath led to our country fighting back and being resilient. Americans were one. Every year, people pay their respects to the brave souls who lost their life on 9/11.

Dr. Turner, SMU’s President, has made it his priority over his 27-year tenure to address the school each year and honor the ones who lost their life on 9/11. Additionally, Turner remembers to praise our local officials who risk their lives each day protecting the DFW area. 

As a Mustang community, we vow to honor those affected by this travesty and let them know that we will never forget them. Fellow Mustangs, we can never forget the history and resilience that came from 9/11 because it is critical to our story. Whether you knew someone directly affected or not, 9/11 shattered hearts around the world, and as Mustangs, we can not forget this tragedy and the sacrifices that came after.

For past ceremonies dedicated to the fallen by Dr. Turner, click here.

To learn more about the attacks and information about the memorial, click here to visit the 9/11 memorial official website.