On September 11, 2001, terrorism and tragedy struck the nation. Just one day later, the country was more united than ever before.
Nineteen hijackers followed through and committed their murder-suicide mission to kill as many people as possible and reign terror in the United States. The entire world watched as two airplanes struck the World Trade Center. Others saw a plane crash into the Pentagon. A third plane, United Airlines Flight 93, was hijacked and ultimately changed its course from Los Angeles to Washington D.C., to crash into the White House or U.S. Capitol. All 40 passengers worked together to take this plane down and crashed into a small field in Pennsylvania. Every single one of them died heroically and courageously. They died for their country.
Two-thousand, nine-hundred seventy-seven people were killed and just about 25,000 were injured. 2,753 were killed in the World Trade Center, 184 at the Pentagon and 40 in the Pennsylvania Flight 93 crash.
This act of terrorism is considered to be the worst attack on American soil. Despite this, people today still forget what 9/11 is, the damage it did to this nation, and most importantly, that Americans must stick together.
“Even though I wasn’t alive, hearing the story of my dad being on the BQE on his way to work that fateful morning horrifies me. The people that jumped off buildings to escape the burning towers that felt like the gates of hell,” said Constantine Viennas, 18, of Medford. “You can’t forget something like that. But at the end, the heroes won and the bad guys lost. That’s the American way. Never forget.”
“It pains me when people try to downplay this tragedy, or say get over it,” said Daniel Kelly, 21, a student at Stony Brook University. “This needs to be remembered forever.”
The number of deaths among 9/11 survivors is increasing. At the World Trade Center, survivors inhaled dust, chemicals, fumes and fibers from debris that seeped into their lungs. Researchers found over 60 types of cancer and at least two dozen health conditions related to the exposure. As of 2021, at least 4,600 responders and survivors enlisted in the World Trade Center (WTC) Health Program have died.
In July 2019, the U.S. Senate passed a bill to ensure all 9/11 victims would receive funding through 2092.
Jon Stewart, comedian and former host of The Daily Show, was recognized by Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) for his devotion and activism last year when the bill was passed.
“We can never repay all the 9/11 community has done for our country, but we can stop penalizing them,” Stewart said. “I’m hopeful that today begins the process of being able to heal without the burden of having to advocate.”
“9/11 means to me the sacrifices and bravery of men and women who will never be forgotten,” said Shane Henriksen, 21, a student at Stony Brook University. “It brings together all from different backgrounds for a common cause against terrorism.”
“As we approach the 21st anniversary of 9/11, I think that it’s important that as Americans, we honor those who lost their lives that day and remembered the sacrifices of the brave men and women across the country who fight for our freedom and ensure that such an attack never takes place on American soil ever again,” said Umair Sheikh, lifetime NYC resident and Stony Brook student.
9/11 is a day of remembrance. It’s more than a moment of silence during the school day. It’s more than just another day. It’s a day when we remember the lives lost. Mothers, fathers, husbands, wives, friends, siblings, first responders, tourists, and so many others died at the hands of hate.
United we stand, divided we fall.
Never forget.
