Where were you when the news regarding 9/11 broke out? Although it has been 17 years, most people have no problem recalling exactly where they were and what they were doing when they heard the tragic news. America was stunned, keeping their eyes on the news for any updates. Some were in disbelief, some were broken, some were afraid for their safety. America will never forget what happened that day, and will we ever fully heal?

This is a touchy subject for Americans. In remembrance, I wanted to share some facts from History.com, USA Today, and The Telegraph about that day in 2001.

• There were 19 hijackers/suicide bombers on four different flights.
• The New York Blood Center received nearly 36,000 units of blood donations following the 9/11 attacks.
• It is said that there is a machine at Princeton University that predicted a tragedy just three hours before the event happened. Could it be?
• Nearly 3,000 people were killed that day. Parents, siblings, grandparents, friends, aunts, and uncles were lost.
• In that 3,000 people, 343 firefighters and 60 police officers were killed.
• This was the largest loss of life on American soil caused by a foreign attack.
• At the time the passengers on the planes became aware of the terrorist attacks, they were able to contact their family members on their phones to report the hijackings.
• Despite efforts, only 18 people were recovered and rescued from the debris.
• According to studies, following the event, alcohol consumption increased by 25% in Manhattan.
• The attack caused fires that raged for roughly 100 days.
• 8 million tons of debris was cleaned up over the span of 9 months by about 50,000 employees.
• Today, Freedom Tower stands where the irremeable Twin Towers once were.

We, as a country, made it through this tragic time in history. Though it was a time of fear, anger, and grief, we continue to heal from the loss. Today, honor the lives lost with a moment of silence. Thank a firefighter or a police officer for their services that can be deadly. We are one nation, under God.

By: KayLynn P.