On September 11, 2001, the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center in New York City and the Pentagon in Washington, D.C. shocked the nation and fundamentally changed the course of American history. While Indiana was not directly impacted by the attacks, there are several interesting facts related to the state's response and commemorations of this tragic event.

1. Indiana was the first state to officially recognize September 11 as Patriot Day. In June 2002, then-Governor Frank O'Bannon signed a proclamation designating September 11 as a day to honor the victims of the terrorist attacks and the first responders who bravely risked their lives to save others. By September of that year, all 50 states and the U.S. government had followed suit.

2. The Indiana War Memorial Museum created a special exhibit about September 11. The exhibit, called "September 11: Remembrance and Reflection," opened in 2003 and featured artifacts, photographs, and personal stories related to the attacks. The museum also held a special ceremony on the first anniversary of the attacks to remember and honor the victims.

3. An Indiana native died in the September 11 attacks. Scott Powell, a 35-year-old flight attendant originally from Lebanon, Indiana, was working aboard United Airlines Flight 93 when it crashed into a field in Pennsylvania. Powell is remembered as a hero for his efforts to thwart the hijackers and save the passengers on the flight.

4. Indiana's Task Force 1 played a role in the rescue and recovery efforts at Ground Zero. The task force, which consists of specially trained firefighters, paramedics, and other first responders from around the state, was dispatched to New York City on September 12 to assist with the search and rescue efforts. The team spent 21 days at Ground Zero and helped recover the remains of several victims.

5. Several Indiana schools and businesses have dedicated memorials to the victims of 9/11. For example, the College of Health and Human Services at Ball State University created a sculpture called "Winged Victory" in honor of the first responders who lost their lives. The sculpture features an eagle with outstretched wings and a firefighter's helmet at its feet. Additionally, the Indianapolis International Airport has a 9/11 Memorial featuring a steel beam from the World Trade Center and a plaque recognizing the sacrifices made by first responders.