As the United States marked the 23rd anniversary of the 9/11 attacks, a somber atmosphere pervaded the commemoration at ground zero. The event was made even more poignant by the presence of presidential candidates Joe Biden and Donald Trump, who stood together at the site of the fallen Twin Towers. Just hours earlier, Trump and Biden’s running mate, Vice President Kamala Harris, had participated in their first-ever debate. The event saw an unusual display of unity as the political rivals, along with former New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg, participated in the reading of victims’ names.
Despite the shared grief, the political undertones of the day were undeniable. Some relatives, after reading out the names of loved ones, chose to use the platform to deliver their own political messages. Allison Walsh-DiMarzio, daughter of 9/11 victim Barbara P. Walsh, directly challenged Trump and Harris, demanding they pressure Saudi Arabia regarding any involvement in the attacks. The majority of the 19 hijackers were of Saudi origin, though the kingdom denies any connection to the plot.
Other relatives spoke out against a now-revoked plea deal reached with alleged 9/11 mastermind Khalid Sheikh Mohammed and his co-defendants. “It has been 23 years, and the families deserve justice and accountability,” declared Joanne Barbara, widow of Assistant Fire Chief Gerard A. Barbara.
The day also saw Biden and Harris visit all three 9/11 attack sites: ground zero, the Pentagon, and a rural area in Pennsylvania where one of the hijacked planes crashed. While many Americans may have moved on from the anniversary, the impact of the attacks continues to resonate deeply. The attacks irrevocably altered U.S. foreign policy, domestic security measures, and the collective American mindset, leaving a lasting scar on the nation’s psyche.
The 9/11 attacks, which claimed the lives of nearly 3,000 people, served as a stark reminder of the vulnerability of even the most powerful nations. The event also underscored the interconnectedness of the world, as victims came from over 90 countries. The U.S. responded with a “Global War on Terrorism,” leading to the invasions of Afghanistan and Iraq, actions that resulted in the deaths of hundreds of thousands of civilians and thousands of American soldiers.
While the anniversary serves as a solemn reminder of the tragedy, it also offers an opportunity for reflection and unity. Thousands across the country participate in volunteer work and community events to commemorate the day, including Harris’ running mate, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, who packed meals for those in need.
While politicians have historically played a part in the commemoration, the National Sept. 11 Memorial and Museum opted in 2012 to limit the ceremony to family members reading the names of victims. Some attendees, like Korryn Bishop, who remembered her cousin John F. McDowell Jr., expressed a desire for politicians to be present if they genuinely care about the event, and not solely for political gain.
The 9/11 attacks have left an indelible mark on the world, and the anniversary continues to be a time for remembrance, reflection, and unity. It serves as a reminder of the fragility of life, the strength of the human spirit, and the importance of coming together in times of hardship. The stories of the victims and survivors, and the legacy of the event, will forever be etched in the annals of history.
