Where were you on September 11, 2001, when you heard that at 8:46 a.m. a hijacked American Airlines Flight 11 crashed into the North Tower of the World Trade Center (WTC) in Manhattan? And that minutes later hijackers crashed United Airlines Flight 175 into the South Tower?
What were you doing when you heard that more hijackers crashed American Airlines Flight 77 into the Pentagon in Arlington, Virginia? And then when they crashed United Airlines Flight 93 into an empty field Shanksville, Pennsylvania after passengers and crew prevented it from reaching Washington, D.C.
At 9:59 a.m. the WTC’s South Tower collapsed. At 10:28 a.m., the North Tower collapsed.
What do we remember about that day 25 years ago ? Whom do we remember? How do we remember?
Nearly 3,000 people lost their lives in the terrorist attacks that took place on September 11, 2001. Among them were men and women who worked in the towers— including hundreds of insurance professionals— as well as people who happened to be nearby, and first responders risking their lives to save others.
A total of 2,753 people died at the WTC site, a total that includes all passengers and crew on the two planes, as well as those inside the towers and first responders. This devastating toll included 343 FDNY firefighters, 23 NYPD officers, and 37 Port Authority police officers who died trying to evacuate the buildings.
A total of 189 people died in the Pentagon attack, including 64 of those on the plane and 125 military or civilian personnel inside the building or on the ground.
In the Shanksville crash, all 33 passengers, 7 crew members and 4 hijackers were killed.
According to data from the World Trade Center Health Program, as many as 5,900 first responders and nearby survivors and workers have died from toxic dust and cancer-related illnesses triggered by Ground Zero exposure. Thousands more have been dealing with chronic illnesses and mental health issues. The World Trade Center Health Program is still treating people.
Marsh and Aon Remember
Victims came from all walks of life. Among them were 295 employees and 63 contractors with broker Marsh McLennan (and Guy Carpenter) and 176 people from insurance broker Aon. No businesses suffered more casualties.
