By Amanda Moses
Over two decades have passed and the date September 11, 2001 continues to weigh heavy on the minds of Americans. It is said to be a day that will live in infamy with the words “Never Forget,” as we recall over 2,983 lives lost after the terrorist attacks at the World Trade Center site, Pentagon and those aboard Flight 93.
The National September 11 Memorial & Museum observed the 23rd anniversary of 9/11 with a commemorative ceremony remembering those who perished in 2001 as well as those who were killed on February 26, 1993.
The family members of victims from both of these attacks took turns reading aloud the names of those who passed away, as elected officials such as President Joe Biden, Vice President Kamala Harris, former President Donald Trump, Governor Kathy Hochul, as well as former Mayors Bill de Blasio, Michael Bloomberg, and others looked on in somber respect.
During the ceremony there were citywide moments of silence where houses of worship tolled their bells marking the time the hijacked Flight 11 hit the North Tower, Flight 175 struck the South Tower, Flight 77 struck the Pentagon, the fall of the South Tower, Flight 93 crashed, and the fall of the North Tower.
Families shared with the Spring Creek Sun that while over 23 years have passed since the horrific attacks ripped a hole in Lower Manhattan and in the hearts of over 3,000 families, it is still important to say their names out loud every year.
About 48% of the victims were never recovered from the rubble, leaving families with nothing tangible to bury or even hold on to. For them, the reading of the names signifies that their lost loved one existed and will always be remembered.
Prior to the ceremony, on Sept. 5 a tribute light was lit—which can be seen for over a 60-mile radius—to further remind others about 9/11.
“With more than 100 million Americans born since 9/11 or too young to remember that tragic day, it’s imperative that we inspire a new generation by sharing the unity and resilience of our collective response. Tribute in Light’s twin beams reach high into the night sky to remind everyone of who and what we lost –and found –23 years ago,” said Beth Hillman, 9/11 Memorial & Museum President and CEO in a press release.
Photos by Amanda Moses
