A Fallen Soldier

Ten years ago we watched as the World Trade Center fell to its knees like a wounded soldier. Today, let us remember the innocent who were ruthlessly murdered in this act of hatred. Let us know that they will forever live in the hearts of those who loved them.

September 11, 2001 8:46AM

A jet, Flight 11, crashed into the northeast face of the North Tower, creating a hole that went from the 92nd floor to the 98th floor. The force of the impact shifted the upper floors ten feet and fireballs and smoke exploded from the building. The 10,000 gallons of fuel on Flight 11 remained mostly in the building and burned there. 

In one hundred minutes thousands of people were evacuated from the North tower below the crash zone. Everyone above the 91st floor in the North Tower is believed to have perished, whether it was from smoke inhalation, jumping to their deaths from a window, or dying in the final collapse of the building. At least thirty seven people in the floors above the crash zone jumped to escape the smoke.

9:03AM

Another jet, Flight 175, slammed into the southwest side of the South Tower. The impact hole went from the 78th floor up to the 84th floor. Fireballs exploded from all sides of the tower, causing it to sway several feet. The 10,000 gallons of fuel on Flight 175 exploded in fireballs from the southeast and northeast sides of the building. 

After the impact with the North Tower, evacuation started in the South Tower. This evacuation was more efficient than in the North Tower. Unfortunately, when the jet hit, only one stairway was accessible.

9:59AM

The South Tower began to collapse. In six seconds the top of the tower was engulfed in a huge dust cloud. 

10:07AM

When the South Tower collapsed a police helicopter radioed firefighters to evacuate the North Tower. However, the radios did not work inside the towers and 121 firefighters were killed when the North Tower collapsed.

10:28AM

One hour and twenty minutes after the initial impact the North Tower finally collapsed, spewing fire, smoke and dust.

America watched these events unfold, unbelieving. Our nation was thrown into chaos, everyone on edge. In this moment we were clinging to each other. Together we were able to rise above our circumstances and look towards the future. Today, lets remember the fallen soldier that is the twin towers, let's mourn for those who were lost, and let us rejoice in those who were saved.

Psalm 119:116 says: Sustain me according to Your word, that I may live; and do not let me be ashamed of my hope.

Research:
 9-11 Attack, North Tower

 9-11 Attack, South Tower