September 11, 2001: Patriots Day

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What Happened on 9/11?
Explain the September 11 terrorist attacks to kids with these informative questions and
answers.
By Natalie Smith
What happened that day?
On September 11, 2001, terrorists attacked the Unites States. They hijacked four
airplanes in mid-flight. The terrorists flew two of the planes into two skyscrapers at the
World Trade Center in New York City. The impact caused the buildings to catch fire and
collapse. Another plane destroyed part of the Pentagon (the U.S. military headquarters)
in Arlington, Virginia. The fourth plane crashed in Shanksville, Pennsylvania. Officials
believe that the terrorists on that plane intended to destroy either the White House or
the U.S. Capitol. Passengers on the plane fought the terrorists and prevented them from
reaching their goal. In all, nearly 3,000 people were killed in the 9/11 attacks.

Why do you think the terrorists targeted these specific buildings?

Who attacked us?

A total of 19 terrorists hijacked the four planes on 9/11. All of the men were from nations
in the Middle East. They belonged to a terrorist group called Al Qaeda (ahl KAY-dah), led
by Osama bin Laden. Al Qaeda practices an extreme version of the religion of Islam. The
group is intensely opposed to the United States and other Western, democratic nations.
They are especially against the military presence of these countries in Arab nations.
Since the groups creation by bin Laden in the late 1980s, Al Qaeda has helped
coordinate and fund numerous bombings worldwide.

Does this mean all people from the nations in the Middle East are a
part of Al Qaeda?

Should we be afraid or treat people from these countries

differently? Why?

How did America respond to 9/11?

In October 2001, the U.S. and its allies invaded Afghanistan, where Al Qaeda was based.
Our military worked hard to take down this group of terrorists and they are are still
working to help rebuild and stabilize the nation. Since 2001, many Al Qaeda members
have been captured or killed.

Some people thought it was wrong to invade and go to war, what do

you think?

How did America change after 9/11?

Following 9/11, the U.S. government took many steps to try to make the country safer. It
tightened security at airports and in public buildings. A new cabinet-the Department of
Homeland Securitywas created. It works to protect the United States from terrorism.
We have also rebuilt a memorial for all of the people who died that day called the
Freedom Towers. They stand in the same place as the World Trade Center. Many people
who visit New York City will visit these towers to pay their respects.
September Eleventh
Abridged Version by Roger Robicheau
We shall never forget that grave day
Nor the lives which were taken away

Lines 1-4 are describing

So closely we stood, so much to bear

September Eleventh stays so clear
What do lines 5-10 mean?

Forever changed, our will must endure

Keeping freedom strong within our shore
The bridge of time holds so much to view
Some visions hold heartache, all too true
Those faced with great loss, so understand
The ultimate cost of our free land

Who are the brave?

Remember the brave who march for all

Completely committed to meet each call
As each year passes before our eyes
Our way must sustain, no compromise

What do lines 13-16 mean?

Emotions do make us what we are

September Eleventh Stays Never Far
2003Roger J. Robicheau

Remembering Heroes
The New York Fire Department (NYFD) and New York Police Department (NYPD) along
with many others risked their own lives on 9/11 and weeks afterward trying to help save
people in and around the World Trade Center buildings. People call them heroes for their
actions. The plane that crashed in Pennsylvania was thought to be heading towards the
US Capital or White House, but the people on the plane stood up to the hijackers to make
sure that wouldnt happen. People call them heroes for helping to save our government
buildings and the people inside of them. What do you think it means to be a hero? Who
are some heroes in your life?