September 11 2001 essays

September 11 2001 essays Every single person in the world has been affected by Tuesday, September 11, 2001. This event will live long in our memory, both those who witnessed the unspeakable horror, those who watched it and cried from afar. Our children's children will hear of this day in future history classes. May we never forget, and may we keep this day, the events and the tears in our minds, our memory and our hearts and take them with us as we carry on. May we always remember this day, and may we find peace in this beautiful world created by god. May this never happen again. Teach your children well. Offer a helping hand, where just a few months ago, you would have just continued on your way. Absorb your spouse's hug, kiss, and your life together; breathe in that moment; today might be their last day. Give your child a cheery, loving smile and hug, make sure they know you love them. Today might be their last day. Call your family; tell them what you have been putting off. Today might be their last day. Stand quietly, peacefully in the wind, listen to the birds, and watch the sun set. Today might be your last day. Treasure each day like it's the last day. What a beautiful sayings. This is a part of an article, which has been edited slightly and found with pictures at (packrat-pro.com/911.htm) check it out; its neat. The reason why this part of the article was put in this report is because it relate to the song for this report. The song chosen is by Michael Jackson Heal the World. It also shows eminent examples of emotions on how this day should be remembered as. Plethora of people thinks of this day as a tragedy; as a day in which a throng of terrorist attacked and destroyed Americas unity. American citizen; dont think like that, lets stand together as a nation and show the terrorists that we are intrepid and nothing could break us apart. Please do not think of revenge; r ...

Stephen Decatur, Naval Hero of the War of 1812

Stephen Decatur, Naval Hero of the War of 1812 Stephen Decatur (Jan. 5, 1779–March 22, 1820) was a U.S. naval officer who became famous for his exploits during the  Tripoli War. He later served as a heroic commander in the  War of 1812. He was killed in a duel by a fellow officer whose court-martial he had participated in years before. Fast Facts: Stephen Decatur Known For: Naval exploits during the Tripoli War and War of 1812Born: Jan. 5, 1779 in Sinepuxent, MarylandParents: Stephen Decatur Sr., Anne PineDied: March 22, 1820 in Bladensburg, MarylandSpouse: Susan WheelerNotable Quote: â€Å"Our country! In her intercourse with foreign nations may she always be in the right; but our country, right or wrong!† Born at Sinepuxent, Maryland, on January 5, 1779, Stephen Decatur was the son of Captain Stephen Decatur, Sr. and his wife Anne. A naval officer during the American Revolution, Decatur, Sr. had his son educated the Episcopal Academy in Philadelphia. Graduating, young Stephen enrolled at the University of Pennsylvania and was a classmate of future naval officers Charles Stewart and Richard Somers. At the age of 17, he secured employment with the firm of Gurney and Smith and aided in securing timber for the keel of the frigate USS United States (44 guns). Early Career Wishing to follow his father in the naval service, Decatur received the aid of Commodore John Barry in obtaining a midshipmans warrant. Entering the service on April 30, 1798, Decatur was assigned to United States with Barry as his commanding officer. He sailed aboard the frigate during the Quasi-War and saw action in the Caribbean as United States captured several French privateers. Demonstrating his skill as a gifted sailor and leader, Decatur received a promotion to lieutenant in 1799. At the end of the conflict in 1800, the U.S. Navy was downsized by Congress with many officers discharged from the service. First Barbary War One of thirty-six lieutenants retained by the U.S. Navy, Decatur was assigned to the frigate USS Essex (36) as first lieutenant in 1801. Part of Commodore Richard Dales squadron, Essex sailed to the Mediterranean to deal with those Barbary states that were preying upon American shipping. After subsequent service aboard USS New York (36), Decatur returned the US and took command of the new brig USS Argus (20). Sailing across the Atlantic to Gibraltar, he turned the ship over to Lieutenant Isaac Hull and was given command of the 12-gun schooner USS Enterprise (14). Burning Philadelphia On December 23, 1803, Enterprise and the frigate USS Constitution (44) captured the Tripolitan ketch Mastico after a sharp fight. Renamed Intrepid, the ketch was given to Decatur for use in a daring raid to destroy the frigate USS Philadelphia (36) which had run aground and been captured in Tripoli harbor on October. At 7:00 PM on February 16, 1804, Intrepid, disguised as a Maltese merchant ship and flying British colors, entered Tripoli harbor. Claiming that they had lost their anchors in a storm, Decatur asked permission to tie up alongside the captured frigate. As the two ships touched, Decatur stormed aboard Philadelphia with sixty men. Fighting with swords and pikes, they took control of the ship and began preparations to burn it. With combustibles in place, Philadelphia was set on fire. Waiting until he was sure the fire had taken hold, Decatur was the last to leave the burning ship. Escaping the scene in Intrepid, Decatur and his men successfully evaded fire from the harbors defenses and reached the open sea. When he heard of Decaturs achievement, Vice Admiral Lord Horatio Nelson called it the most bold and daring act of the age. In recognition for his successful raid, Decatur was promoted to captain, making him, at age twenty-five, the youngest to hold the rank. For the remainder of the war, he commanded the frigates Constitution and Congress (38) before returning home at its conclusion in 1805. Three years later he served as part of the court martial that tried Commodore James Barron for his role in the Chesapeake-Leopard Affair. In 1810, he was given command of United States, then in ordinary at Washington DC. Sailing south to Norfolk, Decatur oversaw the refitting of the ship. War of 1812 Begins While in Norfolk, Decatur encountered Captain John S. Garden of the new frigate HMS Macedonian. During a meeting between the two, Garden wagered Decatur a beaver hat that Macedonian would defeat United States should the two ever meet in battle. When war with Britain was declared two years later, United States sailed to join Commodore John Rodgers squadron at New York. Putting to sea, the squadron cruised the east coast until August 1812, when it put into Boston. Returning to sea on October 8, Rodgers led his ships in search of British vessels. Victory Over Macedonian Three days after departing Boston, Decatur and United States were detached from the squadron. Sailing east, Decatur spotted a British frigate on October 28, approximately 500 miles south of the Azores. As United States closed to engage, the enemy ship was identified as HMS Macedonian (38). Opening fire at 9:20 AM, Decatur masterfully outmaneuvered his adversary and methodically pummeled the British ship, ultimately forcing its surrender. Taking possession of Macedonian, Decatur found that his guns had inflicted 104 casualties, while United States had only suffered 12. After two weeks of repairs to Macedonian, Decatur and his prize sailed for New York, arriving to a massive victory celebration on December 4, 1812. Refitting his ships, Decatur put to sea on May 24, 1813, with United States, Macedonian, and the sloop Hornet (20). Unable to escape the blockade, they were forced into New London, CT by a strong British squadron on June 1. Trapped in port, Decatur and the crew of United States transferred to the frigate USS President (44) at New York in early 1814. On January 14, 1815, Decatur attempted to slip through the British blockade of New York. Loss of President After running aground and damaging the ships hull leaving New York, Decatur elected to return to port for repairs. As President sailed home, it was attacked by the British frigates HMS Endymion (40), HMS Majestic (58), HMS Pomone (44), and HMS Tenedos (38). Unable to escape due the damaged condition of his ship, Decatur prepared for battle. In a three-hour fight, President succeeded in disabling Endymion but was forced to surrender after sustaining heavy casualties by the other three frigates. Taken prisoner, Decatur and his men were transported to Bermuda where all learned that the war had technically ended in late December. Decatur returned to the United States aboard HMS Narcissus (32) the following month. Later Life As one of the US Navys great heroes, Decatur was immediately given command of a squadron with orders to suppress the Barbary pirates which had become active again during the War of 1812. Sailing to the Mediterranean, his ships captured the Algerian frigate Mashouda and swiftly compelled the Dey of Algiers to make peace. Using a similar style of gunboat diplomacy, Decatur was able to compel the other Barbary states to make peace on terms advantageous to the United States. In 1816, Decatur was named to the Board of Naval Commissioners in Washington D.C. Taking up his post, he had a home designed for him and his wife, Susan, by famed architect Benjamin Henry Latrobe. Death by Duel Four years later, Decatur was challenged to a duel by Commodore James Barron for comments he had made regarding the latters conduct during the 1807 Chesapeake-Leopard Affair. Meeting outside the city at Bladensburg Dueling Field on March 22, 1820, the two squared off with Captain Jesse Elliott and Commodore William Bainbridge as their seconds. An expert shot, Decatur only intended to wound Barron. As the two fired, Decatur severely wounded Barron in the hip, however he himself was fatally shot in the abdomen. He died later that day at his house in Lafayette Square. Over 10,000 attended Decaturs funeral including the President, Supreme Court, and the majority of Congress. Legacy Stephen Decatur was one of the first national heroes after the American Revolution. His name and legacy, like those of David Farragut, Matthew Perry, and  John Paul Jones, became identified with the U.S. Navy.