On September 11, 2001, I was just four years old and living in Fiji, far from the tragic events unfolding in Lower Manhattan, New York. I remember vividly watching the news as it broke, sharing the disbelief and horror felt around the world. My parents and grandparents frequently discussed the attacks, particularly the horrific crash into the World Trade Center that claimed nearly 3,000 innocent lives, including many first responders.
My grandmother would often tear up while viewing the news, empathizing with the victims as though they were her family. The destruction of the Twin Towers was a global headline, and the aftermath of the tragedy lingered in our home for months, even years. These experiences ignited a deep commitment in me to explore the significance of 9/11 and its lasting effects on global history.
On the morning of September 11, 2001, 19 terrorists associated with the extremist group al-Qaeda hijacked four commercial airplanes. Two of those planes were deliberately crashed into the North and South Towers of the World Trade Center, leading to their eventual collapse and the deaths of nearly 3,000 individuals from 93 countries.
The third plane struck the Pentagon in Arlington, Virginia, resulting in the loss of 184 lives. Meanwhile, passengers on the fourth hijacked flight, United Airlines Flight 93, bravely confronted the attackers, leading the plane to crash in a Pennsylvania field, avoiding further devastation. In total, 40 lives were lost on this flight.
On September 1, 2024, twenty-three years later, I made it a priority to visit the 9/11 memorial in Lower Manhattan while participating in the International Visitors Leadership Programme organized by the U.S. Department of State. Accompanied by a colleague, I left our hotel and embarked on a short drive to the memorial site.
As we arrived, we were greeted by numerous tourists from around the globe who had also come to pay homage. The memorial features two large reflecting pools, each situated in the footprint of the former towers, containing the largest manmade waterfalls in North America. The design symbolizes “absence made visible,” according to the memorial’s architect, Michael Arad. The tranquil sound of cascading water provides a reflective space separate from the city’s hustle.
Walking through the memorial filled me with a sense of deep sorrow, especially as I read the names of the 2,983 individuals who lost their lives in both the 2001 and 1993 attacks, all inscribed on bronze plaques surrounding the pools. As I stood before the reflecting pools, I felt the immense weight of history and loss.
Among the names was that of Rahma Salle, a 28-year-old from Boston who was pregnant at the time of the attack. Rahma, along with her husband and unborn child, perished when American Airlines Flight 11 crashed into the North Tower.
The memorial plaza also features the Survivor Tree, a Callery pear that was discovered in October 2001, severely damaged yet alive. Rescued by city officials, it symbolizes resilience and survival.
Visiting the memorial was a poignant experience that allowed me to truly comprehend the magnitude of the loss from September 11, 2001. Each name inscribed on the memorial reflects a life interrupted—nearly 3,000 stories of individuals who faced a tragic end.
As I explored the attached museum, I encountered artifacts, emotional accounts, and historical exhibits that brought the events of 9/11 into a personal perspective. The poignant narratives highlighted the bravery of first responders and the profound grief of families who lost loved ones.
This journey extended beyond merely visiting a memorial; it was a deep exploration of a global tragedy and a reminder of the enduring legacy of September 11 and its impact on many lives.