In the third of our 8-part series, Guy Danhoff, assistant professor of health and sports sciences, and Shane Williams, associate professor of music and director of bands, reflect on Sept. 11, 2001, remembering the 20-year anniversary of the infamous day.
The North Tower and South Tower of the World Trade Center in New York City collapsed during the terrorist attacks on Sept. 11, 2001. This photo was captured by MBU’s Heather Goodin just two days before America was changed forever. Notice the date stamp in the bottom right corner as this photo was shot with film. Photo by Heather Goodin
— Part 3 of an 8-Part Series —
This story was posted at 8:37 a.m. Central time, 9:37 a.m. Eastern time.
September 11, 2001 (all times Eastern Daylight Time)
8:46 a.m. – An airliner strikes the North Tower of the World Trade Center
9:03 a.m. – An airliner strikes the South Tower of the World Trade Center
9:37 a.m. – An airliner strikes the Pentagon in Washington, D.C.
9:59 a.m. – The South Tower collapses
10:07 a.m. – Flight 93 crashes in Shanksville, Pennsylvania
10:28 a.m. – The North Tower collapses
September 11, 2001, has a special place in the heart of every American. Many students at MBU were very young or not even born yet at the time of this infamous day. We can only learn about what happened during the terrorist attacks by hearing the stories of those who remember this time filled with fear, pain or even hope. MBU Timeline photojournalists asked our staff and faculty what they remember about Sept. 11, 2001, on its 20-year anniversary.
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Guy Danhoff
“I lived really close to home, like four blocks away, and drove home where, in front of my TV I actually saw live the second one. The plane made the arc right into our second tower. I then just glued to the TV for as long as I remember. … “I happened to be watching Peter Jennings and Tom Brokaw, and these are seasoned anchors, for the very first time that I could remember you could see in their eyes like something had happened to America that we’ve never seen before.” “At that time I was living in the suburbs of Chicago and the next target identified on the world news was Chicago and the Sears Tower. There was a real panic of what was going to happen in Chicago.” “I have a strong emotional connection to it because it is something that you are not ready to process, and even 20 years later I am still emotional about it.” “What I love about this country is when tragedy strikes … as Americans we are going to find a way together hopefully under God’s directions to resolve and renew what we need to do.”
It was beyond watching a scary movie because what made it different for me was listening to the people who were doing the news broadcast.”
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Shane Williams
“This is America — nobody messes with us. It made me realize how that anywhere in the world, you’re vulnerable to things like that happening, nuclear bombs, airplanes and jets flying into buildings.” “There was a shock, there was unbelievability but it didn’t happen that, you know? Then there was an extreme sadness in my heart and I just remembered pulling away and starting to pray.” “I honestly think that it might happen again. The word of God says there’s nothing new under the sun and I just know that one thing we can be sure of is God and I have to put my trust in Him.”
the tower falling and I just I’ve never experienced anything like that in my life.”
Emma Tihen 
MBU Timeline 
Jessica Kunkel