On September 11, 2001, I was just four years old, living in Fiji, far from the tragic events unfolding in New York City. Despite the distance, the news of the terror attacks on that day deeply resonated with me.
Growing up, I often listened to my parents and grandparents discuss the implications of the 9/11 attacks, which claimed the lives of nearly 3,000 innocent people, including first responders. My late grandmother would become emotional watching the news, as if the victims were her own family.
The impact of the attacks on the World Trade Center was felt globally, with extensive news coverage that persisted for months and years. This early exposure instilled in me a commitment to understand the significance of 9/11 and its lasting effects on world history.
On the morning of September 11, 2001, 19 terrorists from the extremist group al Qaeda hijacked four commercial airplanes, crashing two into the North and South Towers of the World Trade Center. The resulting devastation led to the collapse of both towers, resulting in the deaths of individuals from 93 different countries.
Another plane struck the Pentagon in Arlington, Virginia, killing 184 people, while a fourth plane, Flight 93, was brought down by passengers in a field in Pennsylvania, bringing an end to the terrorists’ plans but resulting in the loss of 40 more lives.
Fast forward to September 1, 2024, during my trip to New York as part of the International Visitors Leadership Programme run by the United States Department of State. I made it a point to visit the 9/11 Memorial in Lower Manhattan. My colleague and I left our hotel and headed towards the memorial, where we encountered many tourists also paying their respects.
The memorial features two large pools that occupy the footprints of the original North and South Towers, complete with the largest manmade waterfalls in North America. The pools are designed as a representation of “absence made visible,” according to the architect Michael Arad. The tranquility of the flowing water provides a stark contrast to the city’s hustle and bustle, inviting reflection and contemplation.
As I walked through the memorial, I was struck by the names of the 2,983 individuals engraved on bronze panels surrounding the pools, a somber reminder of the lives lost during the attacks and the courage of first responders. Reading the names, including that of Rahma Salle, a 28-year-old pregnant woman who was on American Airlines Flight 11, brought forth a profound sense of grief. Rahma and her unborn child lost their lives when the plane crashed into the North Tower.
Among the memorial’s features is a Callery pear tree, known as the Survivor Tree. This tree, the sole survivor found among the wreckage, was discovered by recovery workers in October 2001. It has since been nurtured back to health and now stands as a symbol of resilience at the memorial.
Visiting the 9/11 Memorial was an emotional experience, deepening my understanding of the tragedy that took place on September 11, 2001. Each name on the memorial represented a vibrant life lost and a story interrupted. The overwhelming number of names served as a stark reminder of the collective grief stemming from that day.
As I walked through the museum adjoining the memorial, I encountered personal artifacts, heart-wrenching testimonies, and historical displays that illuminated the events of 9/11. The stories of those who were present, including the heroes and the families left behind, left a profound impact on me.
This visit was not merely a tour but a journey through the heart of a global tragedy, illuminating the enduring legacy of September 11 and its effects on our world. White roses are often placed on victims’ names at the memorial, especially on their birthdays, symbolizing the ongoing remembrance of those who perished that day.