(and others) do you know?

Here are my top five inspirational heroes of that tragedy


First Responders: The first responders rushed into the Twin Towers without hesitation, knowing they might not come out. Approximately 343 firefighters and 60 police officers died trying to save those trapped inside.


Passengers of United Airlines Flight 93: The passengers on Flight 93, realizing the hijackers' intentions, took matters into their own hands, attempting to retake the plane. Their heroic efforts prevented the aircraft from crashing into its intended target, possibly the U.S. Capitol or the White House, sacrificing themselves to save countless lives.

Rick Rescorla: Head of security at Morgan Stanley in the South Tower, Rescorla was instrumental in saving the lives of nearly 2,700 employees. He actually had prepared his team through regular evacuation drills before the attacks. On 9/11, he personally led evacuations, remaining calm and focused, even singing to calm those around him. He was last seen heading back into the building to save more people.

Fire Chaplain Mychal Judge: Father Mychal Judge, chaplain of the FDNY, went to the site to administer last rites and provide comfort to the injured and dying. His compassion and willingness to serve at great risk ultimately cost his life.

LT Heather "Lucky" Penny: Assigned to and flew her weaponless F-16 on kamikaze mission to take out hijacked Flight 93. Knowing that her plane had no weapons and that her only option was to ram the hijacked aircraft, she accepted the mission without hesitation, fully prepared to sacrifice her life.