On September 11, 2001, the world watched in horror as 19 Al-Qaeda hijackers commandeered four airplanes, unleashing a devastating wave of terror. Two planes crashed into the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center in New York City, another struck the Pentagon in Arlington, Virginia, and a fourth crashed into a field in western Pennsylvania. The attacks claimed the lives of nearly 3,000 people, making it the deadliest terrorist attack in history. The impact of 9/11 resonated deeply across the nation, leaving behind thousands of grieving families and scarred survivors.
Every year, on the anniversary of the attacks, the nation pauses to remember the victims. At the site of the World Trade Center, now home to the 9/11 Memorial, families gather to read the names of those who perished. The ceremony serves as a solemn reminder of the profound loss and a testament to the resilience of the human spirit. This year, on Wednesday, September 11, hundreds of people are expected to gather for the 23rd anniversary, carrying on this poignant tradition of remembrance.
The act of reciting the names of the fallen extends beyond Ground Zero. At the Pentagon, military members or officials read the names of the 184 victims who lost their lives. Similarly, at the Flight 93 National Memorial near Shanksville, Pennsylvania, relatives and friends read the names of the 40 passengers and crew members who bravely fought back against the hijackers, preventing a potentially even greater tragedy.
The reverberations of 9/11 extended far beyond the immediate aftermath, shaping American policy and foreign relations for years to come. The US responded with a “Global War on Terrorism,” which included military interventions in Afghanistan and Iraq. The complex legacy of 9/11 continues to evolve, leaving a lasting impact on the world. Communities across the country have embraced diverse traditions of remembrance, from laying wreaths and displaying flags to participating in marches and observing moments of silence.
On this somber anniversary, President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris will pay their respects by visiting each of the three crash sites. “We can only imagine the heartbreak and the pain that the 9/11 families and survivors have felt every day for the past 23 years, and we will always remember and honor those who were stolen from us way too soon,” said White House spokesperson Karine Jean-Pierre. As the nation remembers the victims and honors their memory, it is a time for reflection and unity, a reminder of the shared grief and the enduring strength of the human spirit.
