On September 11, 2001, attacks began against several points in the United States, and by 2:00 pm both towers of the World Trade Center had been destroyed, a fire was raging in a partially demolished Pentagon, and a hijacked aircraft had been downed in a farming field in Pennsylvania. Thousands of people from about 80 countries were killed, and the day left enduring memories of horror, pain, anger, and the images of firefighters and police officers climbing the World Trade Center stairwells to help those trapped above, construction workers searching by hand for survivors amid ash and unstable ruins, and Americans gathering in prayer and solidarity. The event is remembered with a call to honor the dead, support their families and loved ones, seek wisdom and courage for national leaders, and cherish the country and its freedom. President George W. Bush called the attacks deliberate and deadly terrorist acts against fellow citizens, a way of life, and freedom itself, and said Americans united in resolve for justice and peace and would go forward to defend freedom and all that is good and just in the world. It is dedicated to the memory of Massachusetts citizens who lost their lives in the terrorist attacks against the United States of America on September 11, 2001.