Why Remembering September 11 Remains Crucial 25 Years Later
The editorial argues that recalling the September 11 attacks is essential to honor the victims, recognize the heroism of responders and passengers, and understand the wars that followed.
Marking the 25th anniversary of the September 11 attacks, the article stresses the importance of collective memory for both honoring the victims and acknowledging the selfless acts of firefighters, police, and paramedics who rushed into danger. It also credits the passengers of Flight 93 with thwarting a potential strike on a major U.S. landmark through their decisive resistance. The author observes that the attacks spurred the United States into prolonged wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, shaping foreign policy for decades.
He notes that the initial unity and moral clarity of the response have faded, giving way to more complex political debates. By recalling the events and motivations of that day, the piece argues, Americans can better assess present security threats and the ideological battles that persist.
Why it matters
Remembering 9/11 helps preserve lessons on sacrifice, security policy, and national unity for future generations.
How this story developed
- Aug 28 Forgotten Lessons of 9/11 Fuel Growing Islamist Influence in U.S. Politics
- Sep 2 A 21-foot, 16,900-pound steel beam from the World Trade Center's South Tower was delivered to the U.S. Military Academy, marking a stop on the Tunnel to Towers Foundation's Steel Across America tour.
- Sep 6 A new analysis highlights the generational shift in how Americans born after 2001 perceive and commemorate 9/11.
- Sep 8 The beam has moved from West Point to Boston as part of the ongoing tour.
- Sep 10 The footage begins with Kiernan reporting on weather, local elections and a Whitney Houston concert cancellation before a plume of smoke appears over the North Tower. He then receives a call from witness George Shay, who describes hearing explosions and seeing a large tire on the street. As the broadcast continues, Kiernan announces that a plane has struck the tower, and later confirms a second plane hitting the South Tower, noting the massive loss of life that would follow.
- Sep 10 The city is preparing its traditional memorial service at the former World Trade Center site, which normally includes six silent pauses for key moments of the attacks. This year a seventh pause will be added to honor the thousands who succumbed to illnesses linked to the disaster long after the event. Officials note that many first-responders and survivors continue to suffer health problems, and a long-term health program was created in 2011 to provide ongoing care. Retired police lieutenant Thomas Wilson, who worked at Ground Zero, is among those whose cancers have been attributed to the attacks.
- Sep 11 The ceremony will feature a seventh silent moment for the first time.
- Sep 11 Donald Trump will join a ceremony at the Pentagon on Friday to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the September 11 attacks.
- Sep 11 The focus of coverage has moved from the immediate details of the attacks to journalists’ personal recollections.
- Sep 11 Trump chose to speak at the Pentagon ceremony while JD Vance attended the New York memorial.
- Sep 11 Bush shared his 2001 Yankees pitch memory at the Bush Center.
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