The 11 September terror attacks, where nearly 3,000 people were killed in the coordinated hijack of four passenger jets, left a scar on US history. The anniversary ceremony at the World Trade Center brought together politicians, including US President Joe Biden, Democratic nominee Harris, and Republican nominee Trump. The effects of the attacks have rippled around the world, altering US foreign policy, domestic security practices, and the mindset of many Americans. Communities across the country engage in remembrance activities on Patriot Day, the National Day of Service and Remembrance. The day that altered the course of history led to the US leading a “Global War on Terrorism,” which included invasions of Afghanistan and Iraq.
Twenty-three years later, victims’ relatives continue to come together to honor and remember their loved ones. The attacks by 19 men, most of whom were Saudi Arabian, killed 2,977 people and left thousands of bereaved relatives and traumatised survivors. The ceremonies held in various locations around the country aim to ensure that people never forget the tragic events of 9/11. Efforts are made to remember the victims through reading their names at ceremonies, where family members occasionally send their own political messages.
The impact of the 9/11 attacks was felt around the world, and response to it led to the US leading a “Global War on Terrorism,” which had far-reaching consequences. Since 2001, communities across the US have engaged in remembrance activities on Patriot Day, the National Day of Service and Remembrance. Initially, presidents and other officials read poems and texts at ceremonies, but in 2012, the National 11 September Memorial and Museum decided to limit the ceremony to relatives reading victims’ names. The focus is now on tributes and personal reflections, with occasional political messages from family members.
The anniversary of the attacks brings together politicians, victims’ relatives, and survivors to remember and honor those who lost their lives on that fateful day. The attacks left a lasting impact on US history, leading to changes in foreign policy, domestic security practices, and the US mindset towards terrorism. The Global War on Terrorism resulted in invasions of Afghanistan and Iraq, with significant casualties on all sides. While the pain and trauma of the attacks are still fresh for many, the annual remembrance activities serve as a way to ensure that the victims are never forgotten.
Despite the passage of time, the memories of 9/11 remain vivid for many Americans, especially for those who lost loved ones in the attacks. The yearly ceremonies and activities surrounding the anniversary serve as a way to remember and honor the victims, as well as to reflect on the impact that the attacks had on US history and the world at large. This year’s anniversary brought together political leaders, victims’ relatives, and survivors to pay tribute to those who perished and to acknowledge the ongoing impact of the tragic events of 9/11. The legacy of the attacks continues to shape US policy, security practices, and the collective memory of the nation.
