STORY AND PHOTO BY YAZMIN TORRES
CYPRESS CHRONICLE
On Sept.11, 2001, 2,9977 people were killed after Al-Qaeda hijacked four aircrafts, all
aimed at prominent American landmarks. 20 years later, Cypress College students recall the
day that would change American history.
American Airlines flight 11 was the first to strike at the North Tower of the World Trade Center at
8:46am, followed by United Airlines flight 175 striking the second tower just 17 minutes later.
American Airlines flight 77 crashed into the Pentagon at 9:37am, rattling the country. United
Airlines flight 93 was the last to crash, although it did not hit it’s intended target which was
speculated to be the White House or US Capital.
“I vividly remember being at school. My mom picked me up and was in tears. Although I didn’t
know what was going on at the time, I knew everyone around me was living in fear,” said Lexi
Dominguez, history major at Cypress College. Dominguez said she has traveled to New York
and always stops at the 9/11 Memorial museum to give her condolences to the lost souls.
Tony Garcia, physics major at Cypress College said he was horrified while watching the news
that morning with his family.
“My family and I were at a loss of words. After we saw the second plane hit the South Tower, I
felt a big lump in my throat. I thought about all the lives that were at stake, including the police,
firefighters and paramedics that were all working helplessly to save so many lives,” said Garcia.
Cypress’ Veteran Resource Center held a moment of silence last week to honor those who
passed on 9/11. Hundreds of American flags were set up across the field in remembrance of the
heroes and lives of the Sept. 11 attacks.
Across the country, Americans paid their respect to the lives lost on 9/11. In Lower Manhattan,
the Tribute in Light shined where the twin towers once stood, in honor of the victims. At a
ceremony in Shanksville, Pennsylvania, former President George W. Bush remembered the day
that “the world with carnage and sirens, and then silent with voices.”
Cypress College business major Julio Lopez said he always tears up watching 9/11
documentaries and hearing the stories of the survivors.
“I am not one to cry, but hearing the stories of the survivors on YouTube and seeing all the
memorials set up across the country make me feel the mourning of these victims. I am glad that
today’s airports have now increased their security, it was a day that would open up everyone’s
eyes, said Lopez.
Despite the horrific attack that shattered America on Sept. 11, the lives of these families
continue to be honored and remembered in spirit. A day which would devastate millions across
the globe only taught us how important human interaction can be during difficult moments.
