9/11 Anniversary 2018: Quotes From During And After The Attack

On Sept. 11, 2001, United States witnessed one of the deadliest terror attacks to ever happen on its soil. The events of the day ended in the death of about 3,000 people and left more than 6,000 injured.

Seventeen years have passed since Al-Qaeda terrorists hijacked four U.S. flights with the intention of crashing them into important building in the country, and thus causing mass destruction. Two of the flights crashed into the North and South Towers of the World Trade Center in Lower Manhattan, the third crashed into the Pentagon in Virginia. The fourth attack was thwarted by the passengers and crew of the flight. Flight 93, which was headed to Washington, D.C, was the only plane that did not reach its target that day. Instead, it crashed into a field in Pennsylvania.

Here’s a compilation of quotes to honor the victims of the day who lost their lives on the day.

During the attacks

"We're young men; we're not ready to die." – Kevin Cosgrove, a business executive who was on the 105th floor of the south tower moments before it collapsed.

"We may have a hijack. We have some problems over here right now." – An air traffic controller on the ground in Long Island after the first plane struck the north tower.

"Hi, this is the captain. I would like you all to remain seated. There is a bomb on board and we are going back to the airport ... Please remain quiet." – Hijacker aboard United Flight 93, which crashed near Shanksville, Pennsylvania.

"Are you guys ready? Let's roll." – Flight 93 passenger Todd Beamer, apparently as a signal to other passengers to attack the hijackers.

"We have some planes. Just stay quiet and you will be okay. We are returning to the airport. Nobody move, everything will be okay. If you try to make any moves you'll endanger yourself and the airplane." – Mohamed Atta, American Airlines Flight 11 hijacker pilot, heard on a radio transmission while meaning to send a message to the passengers.

"The number of casualties will be more than most of us can bear." – Then New York City Mayor Rudolph Giuliani.

"Freedom itself was attacked this morning by a faceless coward and freedom will be defended." – President George W. Bush.

"These acts of mass murder were intended to frighten our nation into chaos and retreat. But they have failed. Our country is strong. A great people has been moved to defend a great nation." – President George W. Bush on Sept. 11, 2001.

"We’re going to find out who did this and we’re going after the b------." – Sen. Orrin Hatch, R-Utah.

"This mass terrorism is the new evil in our world today. It is perpetrated by fanatics who are utterly indifferent to the sanctity of human life, and we, the democracies of this world, are going to have to come together and fight it together." — British Prime Minister Tony Blair.

Since the attacks

"Even the smallest act of service, the simplest act of kindness, is a way to honor those we lost, a way to reclaim that spirit of unity that followed 9/11." – former President Barack Obama in a 2011 radio address.

“Most of the time it was even - right in line with the window we were staring out of. Then it was almost on us. I could make out the seams on the wings and all the American Airline markings. I looked right into the cockpit but I couldn't really make out the figures. They were tiny windows and the sun was shining on them. Maybe I eyeballed Mohammed Atta, the hijack pilot, but I can't be sure.” – Survivor Fred Eichler.

"If we learn nothing else from this tragedy, we learn that life is short and there is no time for hate." – Sandy Dahl, wife of Flight 93 pilot Jason Dahl, in Shanksville, Pa., in 2002.

"Five years from the date of the attack that changed our world, we’ve come back to remember the valor of those we lost—those who innocently went to work that day and the brave souls who went in after them. We have also come to be ever mindful of the courage of those who grieve for them, and the light that still lives in their hearts." – New York City Mayor ­Rudolph Giuliani at the World Trade Center site in 2006.

“One of the worst days in America’s history saw some of the bravest acts in Americans’ history. We’ll always honor the heroes of 9/11. And here at this hallowed place, we pledge that we will never forget their sacrifice." – President George W. Bush at the Pentagon in 2008.

“Remember the hours after Sept. 11 when we came together as one ... It was the worst day we have ever seen, but it brought out the best in all of us.” – The then Sen. John Kerry in 2004.