Remembering 9/11

20 years have passed since the tragic day of 9/11, a day that will forever remain etched in the memory of those who witnessed it. On this day, a date that is now synonymous with terrorism and tragedy, we remember the nearly 3,000 people who lost their lives on that day, along with their families and friends who must carry on in their absence.

On September 11, 2001, radical terrorists hijacked four airliners and launched devastating attacks on the United States. Two of the hijacked planes – American Airlines Flight 11 and United Airlines Flight 175 – were flown into the twin towers of the World Trade Center in New York City, devastating the site and claiming the lives of hundreds of people. The twin towers then collapsed into a dish of rubble, taking thousands of lives in the process.

The Aftermath

The tragedy of 9/11 was felt by all who were present or nearby. A cloud of fear and panic spread across the city and to the rest of the world. In the aftermath of the attacks, the United States launched its War on Terror, leading to numerous military interventions in the Middle East and South Asia. Moreover, in the wake of 9/11, countries across the world strengthened security measures and counterterrorism efforts in an effort to prevent similar attacks from happening.

The Legacy

Though 9/11 is remembered for the tragedy it caused, it is also remembered as a time of courage and bravery on the part of first responders, who risked their own lives in order to save others. We honor the memories of those who were lost, as well as the resilience of those who survived and continue to honor the memories of their loved ones.

On this 20th anniversary of the tragedy, though we are unable to gather in person, we can still join forces to remember and respect the lives that were taken and the heroic actions of those who risk their lives every day to protect us. We must use this tragic event as a reminder for peace, unity and understanding, and work to make sure that such a tragedy never happens again.