Why 9/11 Should Never Be Forgotten

America’s sense of security was forever changed on the morning of Tuesday, September 11, 2001, when freedom was threatened, and safety was snatched through a horrendous tragedy. Nearly 3,000 lost their lives  when four hijacked commercial planes were used to orchestrate an unthinkable act 23 years ago.

The September 11 attacks (also known as 9/11) is regarded as the deadliest terrorist attack on American soil in American history. It consisted of coordinated terrorist suicide attacks that were orchestrated by 19 members of the Islamic extremist group, al-Qaeda. They were led by Osama bin Laden (https://www.fbi.gov/history/famous-cases/osama-bin-laden) , a terrorist who was the son of a wealthy Saudi businessman who later began launching attacks and bombings in various nations to further al-Qaeda’s violent aims.’

Osama bin Laden’s agenda

“Following the Soviet Union’s invasion of Afghanistan in late 1979, bin Laden began providing financial and logistical support to the Islamic fighters battling the Soviets. In 1988, after Soviet forces were defeated and withdrew from Afghanistan, bin Laden founded an organization called al Qaeda, or “the Base,” to continue the cause of jihad (holy war) through violence and aggression,” according to the FBI.

An overview of the September 11 attacks

Terrorists hijacked four commercial planes and flew them into the World Trade Center in New York City; the Pentagon in Arlington, Virginia; and a fourth crashed in the Pennsylvania countryside.

Terrorists overtook the jetliners to destroy the Twin Towers in New York City and disrupt the Pentagon. The Twin Towers of the World Trade Center collapsed when two planes, United Airlines Flight 11 and American Airlines Flight 175, were flown into them. Unselfishness and unity were on display during 9/11. First responders, such as firefighters and law enforcement officers, headed into the building risked their own lives to save others during a crisis.

The Pentagon was the terrorists next target. According to the Naval History and Heritage Command, American Airlines Flight 77 hit the E Ring at the first deck level at the Pentagon. When the plane collided into the building, all 64 people aboard the plane were killed, in addition to 125 individuals inside of the Pentagon. Individuals who stepped up to save lives there celebrated the American spirit in the face of adversity.

Flight 93, the fourth plane, headed for the Nation’s Capital did not reach its possible destination of the White House or the United States Capitol. Flight 93 reportedly stopped just 18 minutes away by plane. Instead, it crashed outside of Shanksville, Pennsylvania, because 40 passengers and crewmembers who were aboard the aircraft contacted authorities and loved ones using airphones. These brave individuals also fought against the terrorists. A cockpit voice recorder was recovered and helped to piece together events regarding what happened on September 11, 2001. All 40 passengers and crewmembers were killed, according to the Friends of Flight 93.

The impact of their heroic deeds remains invaluable, especially considering what was underway in nearby Washington, D.C. at the time.

“Across the Potomac River, the United States Congress was back in session. At the other end of Pennsylvania Avenue, people began to line up for a White House tour. In Sarasota, Florida, President George W. Bush went for an early morning run,” the National Commission on Terrorist Attacks Upon the United States reported.

The 9/11 Pentagon Memorial (https://pentagonmemorial.org/events-of-9-11/9-11-in-pennsylvania/ ) also shared online: “Because of the quick and determined actions of the passengers and crew, Flight 93 was the only one of the four hijacked aircraft that failed to reach the terrorists’ intended target that day. The passengers and crew showed unity, courage, and defiance in the face of adversity.”

The Aftermath

It also critical to note the importance of remembering and honoring family members and friends who perished on Sept. 11, 2001, and individuals who perished due to health issues stemming from rescue and recovery efforts from toxins such as asbestos exposure in ruins of the World Trade Center Towers.  While taking a moment to acknowledge them, what about survivors and first responders who were present during the traumatic event? Some of them still face PTSD, depression, anxiety and other health problems. The CDC (https://www.cdc.gov/museum/exhibits/wtc.htm) , in association with the Smithsonian Institution, raises awareness about this painful reality.

“Since that day, nearly 80,000 people have been diagnosed with physical and mental health conditions as a result of exposure to the dust, smoke, debris, and traumatic events of 9/11. More than twenty years later, thousands continue to suffer with chronic health conditions linked to 9/11 exposures, and many have lost their lives to these health conditions. Experts predict that the health effects from these attacks will continue for many decades to come,” The World Trade Center (WTC) Health Program (https://www.cdc.gov/wtc/exhibition/introduction.html) reported.

WTC is responsible for “compassionate medical monitoring and treatment for WTC-related conditions to those directly affected by the September 11th attacks in New York, at the Pentagon, and in Shanksville, Pennsylvania.”

A call to act

bin Laden was killed on May 1, 2011, after his compound was raided by Navy SEALs in Pakistan, under orders from President Obama by a special operations unit.

Additionally, airport security measures changed after 9/11. “The creation of the Transportation Security Administration, designed to prevent similar attacks in the future,” according to TSA’s website.

TSA’s mission is to “protect the nation’s transportation systems to ensure freedom of movement for people and commerce.”

It is easy to gripe about the need to screen baggage; stop at checkpoints; and leave banned items that are not allowed on planes at home, but there are good reasons for it all. Lessons should be continued to be learned because of 9/11 and the loss of lives should continue to be remembered. Strengthening security in public spaces across America are small inconveniences when proper reflection of 9/11 is taken seriously.