Sept. 11, 2001: a day that changed America forever - Brief Article

Airman, Sept, 2002

It seems long ago, it seems like yesterday. The images still flash by, forever etched in our memories. It's been a year -- one year since the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001.

That Tuesday started like most every work day. It ended unlike any other day in history. Vivid pictures on television told the unbelievable: two hijacked airplanes became lethal projectiles, crashing into the World Trade Center Twin Towers in New York City (opposite), and another hijacked airliner went in low and took out a section of the Pentagon. Then yet another hijacked airliner thought to be headed to Washington, D.C., and possibly the White House was forced down in Pennsylvania -- thanks to some gutsy passengers rallying behind Todd Beamer's call of "Let's Roll" and battling the hijackers, halting any attack.

A shock wave rolled across the country. More than 3,000 were killed, loved ones grieved, friends were left in disbelief, and Americans were left with more "why" questions than anyone had answers for. Such things just don't happen in America, only in foreign lands. Our space had been violated. We were vulnerable.

Many airmen soon found themselves on aircraft headed toward Southwest Asia. Some continued the journey with sorties over Afghanistan, fighting the al Qaeda and its Taliban protectors. Air Force aircraft transported troops and supplies to Afghanistan to help continue the fight. Civil engineers, pararescuers, special forces, combat controllers, port terminal workers and many more found temporary homes in a foreign land.

Now, one year later, the fight continues on all fronts, as President Bush said it would.

As the war on terrorism progresses, we take time out with this special issue to mark the one-year milestone. The terrorist attacks will not be forgotten -- they'll simply keep us focused on preserving our freedoms for future generations.