Most likely you were doing "the usual" on a typical day. That particular day became anything but typical. It undoubtedly has changed our nation forever. It’s a day that will never be forgotten. Words fall exceedingly shy of ever being able to express the loss and devastation on that fateful day.

On a clear sunny morning, just before nine, a plane crashed into the north tower of the World Trade Center in New York City. For a time it was questionable as to whether it was an accident or not. As a second plane careened into the south tower fifteen minutes later it became very apparent that it had not been an accident. Then came word of a third plane that had crashed into the Pentagon. Our nation was gripped by fear. How many more planes were on a mission of destruction? What was to be the next target?

Courageous individuals aboard the fourth plane kept that from ever happening. In a united effort they banded together, brought the plane down and in the process sacrificed themselves to spare others from imminent death.

America was horrified when the south and later the north towers collapsed. One hundred and ten stories imploded, killing thousands of people. As with Flight 93, there were others that sacrificed themselves that day. As employees, visitors and tourists were leaving the flame-engulfed buildings, firefighters and police were entering. Their purpose – to rescue people even at the cost of their own lives.

Thousands of people set out to what they thought would be a typical day. Who would have ever imagined that something like this could ever happen? They had no idea that on that particular day they would kiss their loved ones for the last time and soon leave behind the life they knew.