KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WVLT) - 24 years ago, the unimaginable happened. The first attack on U.S. soil since World War II. The attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon on 9/11 shook the entire country and it was also a time that united us, including our first responders.

It was a day where time stood still.

“We’d never seen this country attacked on our soil like that. We’d have to go back to our grandparents,” said Jeff Bagwell with Rural Metro Fire.

“It’s just, it’s just unreal,” Battalion Chief Kevin Faddis with the Knoxville Fire Department said. “It’s still heartfelt for me and a lot of the guys here at the station.”

The terrorist attack on September 11, 2001 killed thousands, including hundreds of firefighters.

“We felt like those guys and gals that lost their lives up there

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