September 11, 2001, marked a day that would change the world forever. At just four years old, I was in Fiji, far removed from the attacks that unfolded in New York City. However, I still remember the intense news coverage that captured the tragedy, as my parents and grandparents discussed the implications of the 9/11 terror attacks, which claimed nearly 3,000 innocent lives, including first responders.
I recall my late grandmother’s emotional responses to the stories of victims, feeling as though she had lost her own family members. The images of the Twin Towers falling became iconic worldwide, and the news continued to dominate conversations in our home for months and years afterward. This profound impact sparked my personal commitment to understand the events of 9/11 and their significance in world history.
On the morning of September 11, 2001, 19 terrorists from the extremist group al Qaeda hijacked four commercial airliners, crashing two into the North and South Towers of the World Trade Center in New York City. The devastation resulted in the collapse of the Twin Towers, leading to the deaths of nearly 3,000 individuals from 93 different countries. The third plane struck the Pentagon, killing 184 people, while the fourth plane, United Airlines Flight 93, was brought down by courageous passengers in Pennsylvania, resulting in 40 fatalities.
Fast forward to September 1, 2024, I visited the 9/11 memorial in New York City as part of the International Visitors Leadership Program hosted by the U.S. Department of State. The drive was filled with anticipation as we approached the site where the Twin Towers once stood. Upon arrival, I was met with a diverse group of tourists from around the globe, all paying homage to the memorial.
The focal points of the memorial are two expansive pools that sit in the foundations of the former towers, featuring the largest manmade waterfalls in North America. The memorial architect, Michael Arad, described the pools as “absence made visible,” symbolizing the void left by the tragic loss of life. As the water cascades, it creates a serene atmosphere amidst the city’s hustle and bustle.
Walking through the memorial, I was overwhelmed with emotion as I read the names of the 2,983 individuals who perished during the terrorist attacks. Each name represented a unique story interrupted. Standing near the reflecting pools, I felt the weight of history and personal loss. I was particularly moved by the name of Rahma Salle, a 28-year-old passenger on American Airlines Flight 11, who was seven months pregnant at the time of her death.
In the plaza, I also encountered the Survivor Tree, a Callery pear tree that is the only tree to have survived the events of 9/11. Discovered among the rubble, the tree was nurtured back to health and now symbolizes resilience.
Visiting the 9/11 Memorial for the first time was an emotional journey, allowing me to grasp the enormity of loss experienced on that day. Every name etched in bronze panels represented a life lost and a narrative forever altered. As I explored the museum, I encountered personal artifacts, touching testimonies, and historical displays that vividly conveyed the stories of those who faced unimaginable circumstances.
My visit was more than just a memorial tour; it was a deep reflection on the lasting legacy of September 11 and its profound impact on the world. The experience served as a powerful reminder of the collective grief and enduring legacy of that day in history.