24 years ago, on a September morning that seemed like any other, America was forever changed. It’s a day etched into the collective memory of all of us, a day when the world stood still, watching as the unthinkable unfolded. The events of September 11, 2001, shook us to our core, but they also revealed the indomitable spirit of a nation bound together by resilience, courage, and unity.

As we reflect on that day, we honor the nearly 3,000 lives lost—innocent men, women, and children who had no idea their lives would be cut short. They came from all walks of life—business professionals, first responders, and everyday citizens just going about their daily lives. In the face of terror, they became symbols of the devastating cost of hatred but also of the remarkable love that can rise in the aftermath of tragedy.

There have been many dark days in the history of the United States, with one of the worst being the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. The four coordinated Islamist suicide terrorist missions killed nearly 3,000 people and injured thousands of others. The attacks forever changed how American leaders shaped and implemented security procedures in all areas of the country going forward.

In deep southern Illinois in the Franklin County city of Benton, an unbelievable story emerged just two days after the attacks. As described in a story written by Jim Muir, now Franklin County Circuit Clerk, and originally published in the Southern Illinoisan, a series of unexplainable events unfolded after Benton High School Athletic Director Don Smith contacted local businessman Dave Severin. Smith was seeking 40 small flags to place at the school’s football field as a patriotic gesture for Friday night’s football game. 

23 years ago, on a September morning that seemed like any other, America was forever changed. It’s a day etched into the collective memory of all of us, a day when the world stood still, watching as the unthinkable unfolded. The events of September 11, 2001, shook us to our core, but they also revealed the indomitable spirit of a nation bound together by resilience, courage, and unity.

This poem was written by Hannah Schoechert in 2001, she was a 7th grade student at the time of its writing.

Those twin towers

Standing tall with pride,

Fell with grieving hearts.

Stunned, America cried.

But we’re still standing.

Bin Laden tried

To crush our land,

But we stood our ground

With our flag in hand.

And we’re still standing.

Red for valor

And the blood that fell.

White for purity

Our heroes tell.

Blue for the justice

That will be done,

Proving once more

These colors don’t run.

And we’re still standing.

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