America commemorates the 21st anniversary of the 9/11 attacks. Twenty-one years after the worst terrorist assault ever began, the remembrance at Ground Zero started with tolling bells and a minute of silence.
At the World Trade Center in New York, the Pentagon, and a field in Pennsylvania, where hijacked planes fell on September 11, 2001, family members and dignitaries gathered this past Sunday.
Four suicide bombers from the violent Islamic extremist group Al- Qaeda carried out the assaults on the United States.
The assaults caused at least $10 billion in infrastructure and property damage, 2,977 non-hijacker deaths, over 25,000 injuries, and serious long-term health effects. With 340 and 72 fatalities, respectively, it is still the worst terrorist assault in the records of humankind. It is also the single deadliest event for police enforcement and firemen in the pages of history of the United States.
The assaults were planned by Osama Bin Laden. He originally denied being involved but then withdrew his misleading denials.
On May 2, 2011, a small US force transported by helicopters attacked the complex of Osama bin Laden’s home, and the US Force together with the CIA were there to kill him. The globe was shaken by this catastrophe, which also had effects on culture, the economy, and security.
Commemoration of 9/11
Family members held pictures of their loved ones, while others carried American flags or flowers, while Vice President Kamala Harris and Mayor Eric Adams gazed on. Between those who only saw one another once a year, there were unexpected embraces and smiles of recognition.
Attendees gripped photos of their loved ones and held them high as the honor guard arrived and the national song was performed.
In a speech delivered on Sunday after the event, Vice President Biden remarked,
“I know for every one of you who lost someone, 21 years is both a lifetime and no time at all.”
He also said it’s wise to keep it in mind. These recollections aid our recovery. However, they have the power to relive that painful time when our sorrow was at its most acute.
Members of the Biden administration fanned out across memorials at the three attack sites in Shanksville, Pennsylvania, the Pentagon, and Lower Manhattan to honor first responders and the families of the nearly 3,000 victims, who are still mourning the loss of their loved ones and their shared experiences.
Additionally, Mr. Biden commemorated the occasion by urging Americans to protect the country’s democratic system and reinforcing the idea that domestic extremist elements are a danger to the nation’s institutions.
Ayman al-Zawahri, the head of Qaeda, was killed in a C.I.A. drone strike last month, and Mr. Biden noted that the attack’s perpetrators would continue to be held accountable in his remarks on Sunday. Mr. Biden said, “Our resolve to averting another attack in the United States doesn’t stop here. ”
In Shanksville, Pennsylvania, where one of the hijacked aircraft crashed when crew members and passengers attempted to rush the cockpit as the hijackers were on route to Washington, first lady Jill Biden was also planned to give a speech.
The planes had been taken over by Al Qaeda conspirators who intended to use them as missiles carrying people.
Memorial
At 8:46 and 9:03 a.m., respectively, when Flight 11 impacted the World Trade Center’s north and south towers, there was a minute of silence. As the names of the victims were read, both sobs and happy memories surfaced.
Readers frequently add their own comments that combine various American emotions in response to September 11: grief, anger, toughness, gratitude for the military and first responders, patriotic appeals, hopes for peace, sporadic political jabs, and a touching account of the graduations, weddings, births, and regular lives that the victims have missed.
A few readers draw attention to current affairs, this year’s examples include the continuing coronavirus outbreak and Russia’s conflict in Ukraine.
Other towns around the nation observed the day with candlelight vigils, interfaith services, and other commemorations in addition to the assault locations.
On a day that was designated by the federal government as Patriot Day and a National Day of Service and Remembrance, some Americans participated in volunteer endeavors.
