Remembering 9/11, Minute by Minute

NBC New York

10 Sept 202106:23

Summary

TLDRThis script revisits the tragic events of September 11, 2001, reflecting on the attacks that changed America and the world forever. It details the timeline, beginning with the hijackers boarding planes and leading to the devastating crashes into the Twin Towers, Pentagon, and the heroic efforts of Flight 93 passengers. The report highlights the shock and horror of that day, with vivid recollections of the destruction and chaos. Two decades later, the ripples of this event continue to affect lives, as memorials and ceremonies honor the victims and heroes.

Takeaways

🕊️ Operations are ongoing to prevent a repeat of the tragic events of 9/11.
🗽 The 9/11 Memorial stands as a reminder of the day that changed New York City and the world 20 years ago.
📅 September 11, 2001, is a day that will never be forgotten, though specific details might blur over time.
✈️ Al-Qaeda terrorists hijacked airliners, turning them into deadly weapons, resulting in 2,977 lives lost.
🏙️ At 8:46 AM, American Airlines Flight 11 crashed into the North Tower of the World Trade Center, killing and trapping hundreds.
🚨 First responders quickly mobilized as police ordered the evacuation of both towers after the first crash.
💥 At 9:03 AM, United Airlines Flight 175 crashed into the South Tower, intensifying the crisis.
🛑 Flight 93 crashed into a Pennsylvania field after passengers heroically overpowered hijackers, preventing another attack.
🇺🇸 President Bush was informed of the attacks while visiting an elementary school, calling it a 'national tragedy.'
🕰️ Within two hours, both towers collapsed, marking a catastrophic end to one of the darkest days in U.S. history.

Q & A

What event is being discussed in the transcript?
-The transcript discusses the 9/11 terrorist attacks, which occurred on September 11, 2001, when al-Qaeda terrorists hijacked airplanes and crashed them into the World Trade Center, the Pentagon, and a field in Pennsylvania.
Where does the news segment take place?
-The news segment takes place 31 stories above the 9/11 Memorial in New York City, with a view of the memorial and the surrounding area.
How many people were killed in the 9/11 attacks?
-The 9/11 attacks claimed 2,977 lives, according to the transcript.
Who is the reporter providing the historical recap of the 9/11 attacks?
-Chuck Scarborough, a news anchor, is the reporter providing a detailed account of the 9/11 attacks.
What were the first two targets struck during the 9/11 attacks?
-The first two targets were the North and South Towers of the World Trade Center in New York City. American Airlines Flight 11 crashed into the North Tower at 8:46 A.M., and United Airlines Flight 175 crashed into the South Tower at 9:03 A.M.
What was the weather like on the morning of September 11, 2001?
-The weather on the morning of September 11, 2001, was described as a crystal-clear day, perfect for flying, which the hijackers exploited.
What happened at the Pentagon during the 9/11 attacks?
-At 9:37 A.M., American Airlines Flight 77 crashed into the Pentagon, causing a large fire and significant damage.
What is Flight 93 known for in relation to the 9/11 attacks?
-Flight 93 is known for its passengers and crew attempting to overpower the hijackers, leading to the plane crashing into a field near Shanksville, Pennsylvania, preventing another attack on the nation's capital.
How long after the first impact did the North Tower collapse?
-The North Tower collapsed 1 hour and 42 minutes after the first plane struck the World Trade Center.
What reflections does the news segment offer on the 20th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks?
-The news segment reflects on how the shockwaves of 9/11 are still felt 20 years later, with memorials, American Airlines crews paying tribute, and the significance of remembering the victims and the events of that day.

Outlines

00:00

🕊️ Reflecting on the 9/11 Tragedy from the Memorial

The segment begins by taking viewers back to the fateful day of September 11, 2001, as the reporter stands 31 stories above the 9/11 Memorial, reflecting on the tragic events that changed New York City and the world forever. The timeline of that morning is revisited, starting from the early hours when the attackers cleared security and hijacked planes from multiple airports. The report follows the sequence of attacks, beginning with American Airlines Flight 11 crashing into the North Tower of the World Trade Center, followed by United Airlines Flight 175 hitting the South Tower. Eyewitness accounts describe the horrifying scenes as the towers were struck and the chaos unfolded. The story captures the moments of confusion, fear, and heroism that defined that day, ending with the tragic crash of Flight 93 in Pennsylvania after passengers fought back against the hijackers.

05:01

🇺🇸 The Aftermath: The Collapse and Endurance

This section details the catastrophic collapse of the South Tower and the tragic crash of United Flight 93 in Pennsylvania, where passengers heroically overpowered the hijackers, preventing a second attack on Washington, D.C. The narrative then shifts to the final collapse of the North Tower, marking the end of the terrorist assault within a span of two hours. The reporter reflects on the enduring impact of 9/11, two decades later, emphasizing the emotional and psychological scars left on the nation. The piece concludes with a poignant scene at the 9/11 Memorial, where American Airlines crew members are seen placing wreaths in memory of the victims, symbolizing the continued remembrance and respect for those who lost their lives on that day.

Mindmap

Keywords

💡9/11 Memorial

The 9/11 Memorial refers to the site in New York City that honors the nearly 3,000 victims of the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001. It is described as a 'hallowed ground' in the video, symbolizing the significant impact the event had on the city and the world. The memorial serves as a place of reflection, as seen in the coverage of wreaths being placed by American Airlines crews.

💡Twin Towers

The Twin Towers, part of the World Trade Center complex, were the primary target during the 9/11 attacks. Both towers were struck by hijacked planes and ultimately collapsed, causing the deaths of thousands. The video revisits the moments of the attack and highlights their symbolic and physical destruction as a turning point in history.

💡Hijackers

The term 'hijackers' refers to the 19 al-Qaeda terrorists who took control of four commercial planes on September 11, 2001. The hijackers used the planes as weapons, crashing them into key targets such as the Twin Towers and the Pentagon. The script emphasizes their role in orchestrating the devastating events of that day.

💡Flight 93

Flight 93 was one of the four planes hijacked on 9/11, but its passengers heroically attempted to overpower the hijackers. As a result, the plane crashed into a field in Pennsylvania, preventing a further attack, possibly on the U.S. Capitol. The story of Flight 93 is highlighted as an act of bravery amidst the larger tragedy.

💡The Pentagon

The Pentagon, the headquarters of the U.S. Department of Defense, was struck by American Airlines Flight 77 during the attacks. This incident resulted in a fire and significant destruction, representing a direct assault on America's military leadership. The video mentions the attack as one of the key moments on 9/11.

💡George W. Bush

George W. Bush was the President of the United States during the 9/11 attacks. In the video, Bush is shown reacting to the second plane crash while at an elementary school in Florida. His immediate response, 'terrorism against our nation will not stand,' is included to show the gravity of the situation and the government's quick acknowledgment of the attacks as acts of terrorism.

💡First Responders

First responders, including police, firefighters, and emergency medical personnel, played a critical role during the 9/11 attacks. They rushed to the Twin Towers to assist with evacuation and rescue efforts, often risking or losing their lives. The script references their heroic actions as they attempted to save those trapped in the buildings.

💡Al-Qaeda

Al-Qaeda, the terrorist organization responsible for planning and executing the 9/11 attacks, is central to the narrative. The group, led by Osama bin Laden, orchestrated the hijacking of the planes to carry out their deadly attacks. The video mentions them as '19 Al-Qaeda jihadis' who executed the worst terrorist attack on U.S. soil.

💡South Tower Collapse

The South Tower Collapse occurred at 9:59 a.m., less than an hour after it was struck by United Airlines Flight 175. The video describes the collapse as a pivotal moment, emphasizing the shock and devastation it caused. The South Tower's fall was quickly followed by the collapse of the North Tower, marking the final destruction of the Twin Towers.

💡Shanksville, Pennsylvania

Shanksville, Pennsylvania, is where Flight 93 crashed after passengers attempted to retake control of the plane from hijackers. The video mentions this location to underscore the bravery of those aboard Flight 93, who averted another attack on the nation’s capital. Shanksville has since become another key site of remembrance for 9/11.

Highlights

Operations to prevent a repeat of an incident like 9/11 are in focus.

Reflections from 31 stories above the 9/11 Memorial emphasize the day the world changed forever.

The clear skies on September 11, 2001, starkly contrast the devastating events of the day.

19 Al-Qaeda jihadists executed the most devastating attack on U.S. soil, claiming 2,977 lives.

American Airlines Flight 11 crashes into the North Tower of the World Trade Center at 8:46 A.M.

Flight attendants on board make alarming calls just before the hijackers take over.

Police ordered the evacuation of both towers as first responders rushed to the scene.

United Airlines Flight 175 crashes into the South Tower at 9:03 A.M., causing another explosion.

President George W. Bush is informed of the second attack during a school visit.

American Airlines Flight 77 crashes into the Pentagon, intensifying the scale of the attack.

Passengers aboard Flight 93 learn about the ongoing attacks and plan to overpower the hijackers.

The South Tower collapses, followed by the heroic actions of Flight 93 passengers preventing another attack.

Flight 93 crashes into a field in Pennsylvania after passengers storm the cockpit.

At 10:28 A.M., the North Tower collapses, marking the final catastrophic moment of 9/11.

Two decades later, the shockwaves from 9/11 still ripple through our lives, as commemorations continue.