By JULIE CUNNINGHAM
(Greenfield, MA) On this day in 2001, 2,997 civilian lives were ended along with 343 firefighters and 71 police officers. Today marks the nineteenth anniversary of the September 11 terror attacks on the United States when four airplanes were hijacked in a suicide plot. Two of those airplanes hit the World Trade Center in New York City, one hit the Pentagon, and the fourth was brought down in a field in Pennsylvania. A memorial ceremony was held today at the Greenfield Fire Department to remember those lost to the attacks.
“Today is a reminder to all the first responders that you never know what your shift is going to bring and the ultimate sacrifice that was made on September 11 continues to this day,” said Greenfield Fire Chief Robert Strahan.
American Airlines Flight 11 and United Airlines Flight 175 crashed into the North and South towers at the World Trade Center in New York City. Before the hour was up, both towers had collapsed. American Airline Flight 77 crashed into the Pentagon in Arlington County, Virginia causing a collapse of the west side of the building. Photos of the attacks can be seen here. A video posted by TSA of the attacks can be seen here.
“We have said we will never forget and we will never forget,” said Strahan.
Along with the memorial services at the Fire Station, a stair climb event was held at Planet Fitness earlier in the morning. Firefighters climbed the height of the North and South towers, or 110 stories of stairs.
