"An eyewitness recalls an image, a moment of clarity and stillness before the world changed forever. On September 11, 2001, innocence met with violence, complacency with fervor, openness with secrecy, humanity with hate. The murderous terrorist attacks on our nation reminded us all of the randomness of fate and the transience of life.". "Out of the Blue begins at the beginning, and Richard Bernstein tells the story of the people, forces, and events that led to one of the most unforgettable days in American history. For the first time, we get a full account of the transformation of Osama bin Laden from wealthy, carefree youth to political and religious radical against a backdrop of growing Islamic extremism; the evolution of Al Qaeda and its previous terrorist exploits; and the indoctrination and training of Mohammed Atta and the other hijackers. We also learn the stories of several Americans who perished that day: the decorated war hero Rick Rescorla, who, as head of security for Morgan Stanley, made sure that his people got out alive; Jeremy Glick, one of the brave men who fought back against the terrorists on flight 93 before it crashed in Pennsylvania; and Peter Ganci, the veteran fire chief who died as he had lived, fighting a fire alongside men he loved and trusted. The lives of those and many other men and women are re-created in vivid detail as they careen toward a cataclysmic intersection."--BOOK JACKET.