Today, September 11, 2024, marks 23 years since the tragic attack that marked a milestone in recent history: the attack on the Twin Towers in New York, the Pentagon in Washington D.C., and United Flight 93, which crashed in Pennsylvania. On this day, we commemorate not only the loss of nearly 3,000 lives but also the lasting impact on politics, security, and global society.
Early in the morning of September 11, 2001, the skies over the United States became the stage for one of the most devastating acts of terrorism the world has ever seen. At 8:46 AM, American Airlines Flight 11 struck the North Tower of the World Trade Center, followed just 17 minutes later by United Airlines Flight 175 colliding with the South Tower. Within hours, both skyscrapers collapsed in a shower of debris and chaos, transforming the iconic Manhattan skyline into a scene of devastation and desolation.
The attack on the Twin Towers, planned by the terrorist organization Al Qaeda, was not just a series of physical explosions but also a psychological and emotional blow to humanity. The events of that day led to a complete reevaluation of security and defense policies around the world. The United States, for example, implemented significant changes in its air security and established the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), redesigning strategies to face global threats.
The impact also extended to international relations. Military interventions in Afghanistan and Iraq, and the adoption of new surveillance and counter-terrorism policies reflect a drastic shift in the global approach to security. Furthermore, September 11 prompted a deep reflection on tolerance and multiculturalism, challenging societies to confront prejudices and build bridges of understanding.
23 years later, the memories of that day remain fresh in the minds of those who experienced the events firsthand. Monuments and memorials have been erected, such as the 9/11 Memorial at the site where the Twin Towers once stood, to honor the victims and remind future generations of the price of peace and the need for unity.
September 11 is a day of reflection, mourning, and reaffirmation of the commitment to a safer and united world. As we face new global challenges, the legacy of that day continues to inspire a continual quest for justice and understanding. On this anniversary, we pay tribute to those we lost and to those who continue to work to ensure that an event so devastating never happens again.