Fact 1: Symbolic Date
The date September 11 holds historical significance- it was on this day in 1297 that the Scots defied the English in the Battle of Stirling Bridge, turning tides in favor of Scotland in the First War of Scottish Independence. Besides, Chile also witnessed its own tragedy on September 11, 1973, with the coup overthrowing President Salvador Allende.
Fact 2: The Pentagon
The construction of the Pentagon started on September 11, 1941. Exactly sixty years later, this iconic five-sided building would be one of the targets of the terrorist attacks. This coincidence is even more surprising when you consider the size and notable five-year long construction of the project.
Fact 3: Berry Berenson
Actress and photographer Berry Berenson became an unwitting victim of the 9/11 attacks. Interestingly she was the widow of actor Anthony Perkins, famously known for his role as Norman Bates in Psycho. Berry was on one of the hijacked flights that struck the Twin Towers.
Fact 4: 9/11 Memorial
The 9/11 Memorial in New York City was flooded with visitors when it opened to the public for the first time on September 11, 2011- exactly a decade after the catastrophic event. The memorial has two reflecting pools set in the footprints of the Twin Towers, with the perimeter inscribed with the names of the deceased.
Fact 5: The Todd Beamer Call
Flight 93 passenger, Todd Beamer became a national hero after he rallied fellow passengers to overcome the hijackers. His last known words "Let's Roll" were heard during his phone call to an operator. This catchphrase has become synonymous with American bravery and heroism.
Fact 6: Flight Number 93
United Airlines Flight 93 was headed for San Francisco but ended up crashing into a rural field in Pennsylvania. Interestingly, the number '93' in tarot cards is believed to symbolize "The Universe" or "The End of a Cycle", which eerily resonates with the cataclysmic day.
Fact 7: The Survivor Tree
Among the ruins and wreckage of the Twin Towers, a severely damaged Callery pear tree was found. Miraculously, the tree revived, and it is known as the "Survivor Tree". It stands as a testament of resilience and rebirth at the 9/11 Memorial.
Fact 8: Dogs of 9/11
Nearly 100 search and rescue dogs were deployed to the World Trade Center site and Pentagon in the aftermath. These four-legged heroes played pivotal roles in looking for survivors.
Fact 9: Final Survivor
The last survivor to be pulled from the World Trade Center collapse, Genelle Guzman-McMillan, was rescued approximately 27 hours after the attacks. She had been trapped in staircase B of the North Tower.
Fact 10: Civilian Ship Evacuation
The 9/11 attacks led to a massive boatlift where hundreds of civilian ships helped evacuate over 500,000 people from Manhattan Island. It is the largest sea evacuation in history, even larger than the World War II evacuation of Dunkirk.
Fact 11: Economic Aftermath
There was a staggering economic loss due to the attacks. Wall Street was closed until September 17, marking its longest shutdown since 1929.
Fact 12: The Patriot Day
September 11 is officially known as Patriot Day in the United States. On this day, Americans observe a moment of silence at 8:46 AM (Eastern Daylight Time) - the exact moment when the first airplane hit the North Tower of World Trade Center.
Fact 13: Falling Man
One of the most iconic and controversial photographs from that day, titled "The Falling Man", captures an unidentified man falling from the North Tower.
Fact 14: Closure of US Airspace
For the first time in history, the Federal Aviation Administration closed the United States airspace for several days, grounding about 4,000 commercial aircrafts across the nation.
Fact 15: Target - White House or Capitol
The passengers on Flight 93 fought against their hijackers, leading to the plane's crash in Pennsylvania. The intended target was likely either the White House or the US Capitol.
Fact 16: Delayed Heroic Sacrifice Recognition
It took ten years until a government authority, The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, acknowledged that officials working for them had died heroically on 9/11.
Fact 17: Notable Survivor
Stanley Praimnath was one of the eighteen survivors from the floors impacted in the South Tower. His life was saved, thanks to Brian Clark, who managed to pull him out of the wreckage.
Fact 18: Muhammad Atta’s Luggage
Muhammad Atta, the mastermind behind the attacks, had a luggage that didn't make the connection onto Flight 11. It contained a letter with instructions for the hijackers and a Quran, providing FBI crucial clues about the attackers.
Fact 19: Life Span of the Twin Towers
The Twin Towers of the World Trade Centre were tragically short-lived. They were opened in 1973 and fallen by 2001, standing proudly for only 28 years.
Fact 20: The Twin Towers' Tribute
Every year since 2002, on the anniversary of the 9/11 attacks, two vertical columns of light known as the "Tribute in Light" are projected into the sky, reminiscent of the fallen Twin Towers, in a poignant and impressive tribute to the victims of that fateful day.