Today we remember the 2,977 people who lost their lives during the terrorist attacks on Sept. 11, 2001. On this day, 19 men hijacked four airplanes as part of a mission arranged by Al-Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden. 

From the first plane hitting the World Trade Center at 8:42 a.m. to Flight 93 crashing in a field outside of Washington, D.C. at 10:03 a.m., this day has left a lasting impression on American citizens. 

The entire country was confused and worried as to what would happen next. First responders, including police officers, firefighters, and more, were all on alert.

Colleen Calvey, English teacher at East, was in her first year of teaching during 9/11. She was teaching a high school journalism class in Michigan.

“My teacher’s assistant, who was with me in first period, came in and told me that a plane had hit one of the twin towers, so I turned on the TV and we witnessed the second tower being hit,” Calvey said. “A lot of parents showed up to take their kids out of school,”

Even people who were not physically at the scene of the attacks that occurred on 9/11 have been affected by the horrific events. 

English teacher at East, Timothy Ochoa, was a high school student during the attacks and remembers the day vividly.

“My friend Michelle, her mom, was a flight attendant and flew out of New York regularly. I remember her being devastated and worried about her mother,” Ochoa said.

While this event occurred in 2001, it is still important to educate younger generations about it. Students at East have been learning about the events of 9/11 from a young age and feel like they have come to know a lot about that day. 

Senior Camryn Fox says that learning about 9/11 is important for students in the United States and should remain a part of the curriculum.

“We talk about it every year at school, I think it’s a good thing for us to know about in case something like that were to happen again,” Fox said.

On the 24 anniversary of this deadly attack, it is important to reflect on those whose lives have been affected by these events to this day. Not only did many people lose their lives during the attacks, but those who survived are still suffering every year due to long-term illnesses caused by exposure to toxic debris and smoke clouds. 

The role first responders, like firefighters and paramedics, played in saving the lives of thousands of people will never be forgotten, and continues to serve as an example for first responders today.

Written by Seniors Allie Heren and Ashley Gumm. Edited by staff writers for Oswego East’s online news magazine The Howl.