VP Popup 09/09/20 This Week in History

This Week in History:
9/11

Find out about important events that occurred this week in history.

Wednesday, September 9

This activity is for ages 9 and up, but anyone can join.

This week's historical event is a sensitive subject and may not be suitable for every child. Adults are encouraged to discuss this important historical event with their child.

September 11, 2001

On the morning of September 11, 2001, a tragic event took place in the United States. Four planes were hijacked, or taken over, by a group of terrorists and were deliberately flown into buildings. Two of the planes crashed into the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center in New York City. Another plane was used to attack the Pentagon, a government building in Washington, D.C. The fourth plane crashed in a field in Pennsylvania; the passengers were able to fight the hijackers and regain control before the plane could be used to fly into another building.

The terrorist group behind these attacks was al-Qaeda, led by Osama bin Laden. Al-Qaeda is an Islamic extremist and terrorist group; they believe in ideas that are not shared by others in their religion and community.

First responders risked their lives to run into the buildings and save as many people as they could. Sadly, a total of 2,977 people died in the planes and buildings that were attacked on this day.

In the days following the attacks, people all over the country and the world showed their support for the victims and the communities the attacks took place in. New York City has since built the 9/11 Memorial & Museum at the site of the Twin Towers to honor and remember all of the victims.