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America Attacked: 9/11

AMERICA RESPONDS

The United States, with the help of its allies, responded to the September 11 terrorist attack with military force. On 7 October 2001, American and British forces directed a "measured, broad and sustained attack" on suspected terrorist cells in then-Taliban-controlled Afghanistan. The so-called "war against terror" continues.

Every day one hears reports of military successes and failures. Where is bin Laden? Is he dead? Hiding somewhere? The broadcasts sound the same, one week seamlessly blending into the next. But the real story of America's response comes from her people. From the children. The teenagers. From the folks in the cities and in the heartlands. What is their response to these shattering events?

The U.S. Library of Congress has acquired many original works reflecting America's response to the attacks. Profiled here are creations from a broad spectrum of people - children and adults, amateurs and professional artists. All have generously given their productions to the national archives.

  • The Twin Towers - "I Can't Take It!" - by Hannah Beach, third-grade student from Knoxville, TN


  • The Twin Towers - "No, No" - by Meagan Yoakley, third-grade student from Knoxville, TN


  • "It's OK" - Eddie Hamilton, third-grade student from Knoxville, TN


  • "New Vocabulary as of September 12, 2001." - Liz Johnson


  • "Flower Towers." - Jen Kim


  • "We Interrupt This Regularly Scheduled Programming to Bring You Reality." - Ann Telnaes


  • "How My Life Has Changed." - Hilary North


  • "Nothing Feels Safe Anymore." - Daniel DiGia


  • "Can't Stop Watching TV." - Marie Blanchard


  • "WTC 010911 9:15 AM." - S. Torre


  • "Engine Company 54 Lost 15 Men." - Thomas Lanigan-Schmidt


  • "After the Screaming." - Marc Yankus


  • "Fear, Fate and Faith." - Scip Barnhart


  • "In Memory." - Brian Niemann

On the anniversary date of the September 11 attacks, the world remembers what happened on that day in 2001. One of the stories, donated to the Library of Congress, helps to put all those memories in perspective.