HOT OFF THE PRESS
Terrorists strike United States, communities across the regional respond
Editor’s note: Each Sunday, The Dispatch features a front page from this week in history to celebrate the newspaper’s 150 years of publication, with a little update on what’s happened since.
Virtually every Dispatch newsroom staffer jumped into action on Sept. 11, 2001, as soon as it became apparent that the first plane that crashed into the World Trade Center was no fluke.
Journalists immediately headed to New York, the Pentagon and to the field near Shanksville, Pennsylvania, where planes taken over by terrorists crashed, killing nearly 3,000 people. Others worked the phones, trying to bring some clarity to the stunning attacks and to put the attacks into some perspective for the residents of Greater Columbus.
The coverage never really stopped.
Communities across the region held ceremonies and other events to honor the sacrifice of those who died and the service of the first responders who tried to save lives.
On Saturday, all U.S. and Ohio flags were flown at half-staff on all public buildings and grounds throughout the state by order of Gov. Mike Dewine to mark the 20th anniversary of the terror attacks.
Greater Columbus also is home to several 9/11 memorials that offer yearround opportunities to honor the dead and those who responded to the tragedy.
There is a First Responders Park located in Hilliard, and another in Westerville. Each displays mangled steel that once girded the World Trade Center towers, emblems of American economic strength.
And every year since the attacks, The Dispatch has marked the anniversary to make sure that day is never forgotten.