Saturday marks the 20th anniversary of the day that took 2,977 lives, injured over 6,000, and left an everlasting impact on our nation. On September 11, 2001, a series of four coordinated attacks were carried out against the Twin Towers of downtown Manhattan’s World Trade Center and the Pentagon in Washington D.C., stealing the lives of nearly 3,000 people on a Tuesday morning we will never forget.
American Airlines Flight 11 struck the North Tower of the World Trade Center at 8:46 a.m., and just 17 minutes later at 9:03, United Airlines Flight 175 hit the Trade Center’s South Tower. Hijackers aboard American Airlines Flight 77 crashed the plane into the Pentagon at 9:37, and the fourth and final plane, United Airlines Flight 93, was crashed into a Pennsylvania field at 10:03. As these horrific events unfolded, our nation felt anger, fear, sadness, and an overwhelming sense of loss. Yet in the midst of these emotions, our heroes – firefighters, police, medical personnel, military members and civilians on scene – stood together as one, working tirelessly to help others amidst the debris.
It’s this sense of unity that we demonstrate each and every day as American shipbuilders. Despite our differences as individuals, we all share the pride and enormous responsibility that comes with our mission of delivering the advantage that protects our Sailors, our Family, and our Freedom. The US submarine industrial base, led by Electric Boat, is responsible for providing the Navy with the most capable and sophisticated machines on the planet. Our industry – made up of tens of thousands – protects a country of more than 300 million, and millions more around the world. This is our purpose and our privilege.
Today, September 10, in honor of the fallen and in dedication to those who selflessly risked their lives, we will blow the shipyard whistle at 8:46 a.m. in the Groton and Quonset Point shipyards, marking the time of the first attack. Following the shipyard whistle, Electric Boat will observe a 30-second moment of silence, followed by the playing of Taps and the National Anthem.
Please take this time to be silent and to REMEMBER. Remember where you were and what you were doing on this day 20 years ago. Remember loved ones that were taken too soon. Remember your purpose and the foundational role you play in our nation’s defense. Remember the heroes of 9/11.
We will always remember. We will never forget.
Thank you for all you do.
