Meaning: This quote refers to a statement made by Ted Olson, a prominent American lawyer and politician, in the aftermath of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. At the time, Olsen served as the Solicitor General of the United States under President George W. Bush. His wife, Barbara Olson, was a passenger on American Airlines Flight 77, which was hijacked and crashed into the Pentagon that fateful day.

In the quote, Ted Olson is recounting the information he received from his wife during a phone call she made to him from the hijacked plane. He mentions that she informed him that the plane had been hijacked shortly after takeoff and that by the time of their conversation, the plane had been in the air for over an hour. This brief but poignant statement provides a glimpse into the tragic events that unfolded on that day and the harrowing experiences of those on board the hijacked aircraft.

The events of September 11, 2001, forever changed the course of history and had a profound impact on the world. The coordinated terrorist attacks carried out by the extremist group al-Qaeda resulted in the loss of thousands of lives and caused immeasurable grief and suffering. The attacks targeted key symbols of American power and influence, including the World Trade Center in New York City and the Pentagon in Arlington, Virginia.

American Airlines Flight 77 was one of the four planes hijacked that day. It was en route from Washington Dulles International Airport to Los Angeles International Airport when it was seized by five hijackers. The hijackers violently took control of the aircraft, subduing the crew and passengers as they redirected the flight towards its tragic destiny.

Ted Olson's recollection of his wife's phone call offers a deeply personal and emotional insight into the chaos and terror that unfolded on board the hijacked plane. His account also underscores the sudden and abrupt nature of the hijacking, as well as the uncertainty and fear experienced by those on board as they grappled with the unfolding crisis.

The aftermath of the September 11 attacks led to significant changes in global politics, security measures, and the perception of terrorism. The United States and its allies embarked on a sustained military campaign to combat terrorism, leading to the invasion of Afghanistan and the subsequent overthrow of the Taliban regime, which had harbored al-Qaeda operatives.

Domestically, the attacks prompted a reevaluation of national security protocols, leading to the implementation of new legislation such as the USA PATRIOT Act and the creation of the Department of Homeland Security. These measures aimed to enhance intelligence gathering, border security, and counterterrorism efforts to prevent future attacks.

The impact of the September 11 attacks also reverberated through American society, fostering a sense of unity and resilience while also sparking debates about civil liberties, surveillance, and the balance between security and individual freedoms.

In conclusion, Ted Olson's quote serves as a poignant reminder of the human toll of the September 11 attacks and the profound impact they had on individuals, families, and the world at large. It underscores the personal stories of loss, bravery, and resilience that emerged from that tragic day, while also highlighting the broader geopolitical and sociopolitical ramifications of the events. The quote stands as a testament to the enduring significance of September 11, 2001, and the need to remember and honor the memories of those who were affected by the attacks.