On September 11, 2001, I was just four years old and living in Fiji, far from the tragic events unfolding at the World Trade Center in New York City. I still remember the shock as my family gathered around the television to watch the news coverage of the terror attacks. My parents and grandparents often spoke about the day, recalling how nearly 3,000 innocent lives, including first responders, were lost when the planes crashed into the Twin Towers.
My grandmother was particularly affected, often becoming emotional when hearing stories about the victims. The impact of that day resonated in our household for years, prompting me to delve into understanding the significance of 9/11 and its lasting effects on global history.
On that day, 19 terrorists from the extremist group al-Qaeda hijacked four commercial planes, crashing two of them into the North and South Towers of the World Trade Center. The attacks led to the collapse of the towers and resulted in nearly 3,000 fatalities from 93 different countries.
The third hijacked plane struck the Pentagon, killing 184 individuals. Passengers on the fourth plane, Flight 93, fought back against the hijackers, leading to the aircraft crashing into a field in Pennsylvania, claiming 40 more lives.
Fast forward to September 1, 2024, I had the opportunity to visit the 9/11 Memorial in New York City as part of the International Visitors Leadership Programme run by the U.S. Department of State. Arriving at the site after a short drive, I was immediately struck by the number of visitors from around the globe who came to pay their respects.
The Memorial features two nearly one-acre pools where the Twin Towers once stood, each containing North America’s largest man-made waterfalls. The pools are designed to symbolize “absence made visible,” with water cascading into voids that can never be filled, creating a serene atmosphere amidst the city’s busy backdrop.
Walking through the memorial, I felt a profound sense of loss as I read the names of those who died on September 11 and in the 1993 attacks. The weight of history hung heavy as I reflected on the innocent lives lost, including a specific victim, Rahma Salle, who was pregnant at the time of the attacks.
In the memorial plaza, I encountered the Survivor Tree, a Callery pear tree that endured the devastation and was eventually nursed back to health. This tree symbolizes resilience and hope in the wake of tragedy.
Visiting the 9/11 Memorial was an emotionally charged experience that deepened my understanding of the magnitude of loss experienced that day. Each name on the bronze panels represented a complete life, a unique story forever interrupted.
As I explored the museum, I witnessed personal artifacts, emotional narratives, and historical accounts that painted a vivid picture of that tragic day. The stories of heroism and loss were palpable, emphasizing the collective grief felt around the world.
This visit served not only as a tribute to those who lost their lives but also as a powerful reminder of the enduring impact of September 11 on our society. White roses are traditionally placed on the victims’ names at the memorial on their birthdays, further honoring their memory.