9-11 May We Never Forget

This week we remember - an attack that occurred 20 years ago... an attack on American freedoms that changed our lives forever.

On September 11, 2001, 19 militants associated with the Islamic extremist group al-Qaeda hijacked four airliners and carried out suicide attacks against targets in the United States. Two of the planes were flown into the towers of the World Trade Center in New York City, a third plane hit the Pentagon just outside Washington, D.C., and the fourth plane crashed in a field in Pennsylvania.

Often referred to as 9/11, the attacks resulted in extensive death and destruction, triggering major U.S. initiatives to combat terrorism and defining the presidency of George W. Bush. A total of 2,977 people were killed, including more than 400 firefighters and police officers.

Then New York Mayor Rudolph Giuliani said, “The attacks of September 11th were intended to break our spirit. Instead we have emerged stronger and more unified. We feel renewed devotion to the principles of political, economic and religious freedom, the rule of law and respect for human life. We are more determined than ever to live our lives in freedom.”

For the past 20 years, U.S. soldiers have been fighting on foreign soil. Lives have been lost, families have been affected, and an entire country has been altered.

This week, The Times pays a tribute to the many from our area who fought in this war. The very few spotlighted only represent the many. We offer a sincere thank you to every soldier from Mississippi County, Arkansas and the nation who were brave enough to fight for our nation.

As long as we are free, we will never forget.