9/11 in Southeast Missouri

Security was heightened at the Federal Building in Cape Girardeau on Sept. 11, 2001 after the terrorists attacks. (Fred Lynch)

With the Federal Aviation Administration ordering all planes grounded nationwide on Sept. 11, 2001, a Corporate Airlines flight from Nashville to St. Louis was diverted to the Cape Girardeau airport. (Fred Lynch)

The American flag flew at half staff in front of City Hall in Cape Girardeau on Sept. 11, 2001 to honor those killed in the terrorist attacks. (Stephan Frazier)

Following apparent terrorist attacks in New York City and Washington, D.C., motorists lined up at Cape Girardeau gas stations to fill their tanks on Sept. 11, 2001. Gas prices in Cape Girardeau rose over the course of the day. At Albertson's Express on Independence, where Prince Carter filled his tank, the cost of a gallon of regular gas rose from $1.36 to $1.46 by 5:30 p.m. (Frances Sayers)

Jenna Lane, left, and Rachel Doyle of Cape Girardeau attended a prayer service with about 100 other area residents at Old St. Vincent's Church to pray for the families of those killed in the morning terrorist attacks on Sept. 11, 2001. (Stephan Frazier)

The Rev. William Burke, pastor of First Church of the Nazarene, prayed during a community-wide prayer service on Sept. 11, 2001 at Lynwood Baptist Church for victims of the terrorist attacks. (Stephan Frazier)

Community members gathered on Sept. 11, 2001 at Lynwood Baptist Church for a prayer vigil following the deadly terrorist attacks on the United States. (Stephan Frazier)

George R. Luna, foreground, waited four hours to donate at the Osage Community Centre in the American Red Cross blood drive Wednesday afternoon, Sept. 12, 2001. Luna, a Marine for 13 years, went to the recruiting station to discuss rejoining in the wake of Tuesday's attacks in New York and Washington. "I'm here if my country needs me," he said. "I came to give blood because it's what America needs." (Stephan Frazier)

Steve Francis of Fredericktown, Mo. expressed his opinion on a T-shirt at his airbrushing stand at the SEMO District Fair on Wednesday, Sept. 12, 2001. (Fred Lynch)

Darren Estes of Cape Girardeau and Roberta Patterson of Scott City, Mo. were strangers before patriotism brought them together along William Street on Thursday, Sept. 13, 2001. Estes, waving a flag since 9:30 a.m., caught the attention of Patterson, who returned minutes later with her sign. "I couldn't stay focused at work today and wanted to do my part," Estes said. Motorists responded with waves, peace signs and car horns. (Chris Stanfield)

The Stars and Stripes flew above Jackson Boulevard in Jackson, Mo. from a 200-foot high Penzel Construction Co. crane on Sept. 13, 2001. U.S. Rep. Jo Ann Emerson asked that Americans display the flag for 30 days following the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks. (Fred Lynch)

Kelly Cook and other members of the Showstoppers squad at Scott City High School held candles along with football fans in a show of American spirit and support prior to the game with East Prairie on Sept. 14, 2001. (Fred Lynch)

Cape Girardeau area firefighters, paramedics, law enforcement and family members stood with the Golden Eagles Marching Band at Houck Stadium to observe a moment of silence prior to the Southeast Missouri State-Southwest Missouri football game Saturday, Sept. 15, 2001. (Fred Lynch)

A week after the terrorist attacks, Darryl Spurlock of Cape Girardeau took time to give blood at the University Center on Sept. 18, 2001 with assistance from Red Cross nurse Jean Carter. Many people were seeking normalcy after the past week. (Fred Lynch)