The courage of America rang loud and clear as ordinary people became heroes and put an end to the terror that day. We remember that other Washington DC landmarks were intended targets - perhaps the Capitol or the White House, and that the selfless act of bringing that plane down saved even more lives than were lost.

It led to a "we're not gonna take it" spirit that is evidenced every time we hear about "ordinary" Americans stepping forward and helping subdue someone disturbing a flight.