On September 11, 2001, I was just four years old and living in Fiji, far from the tragic events unfolding in New York City. I have a vivid memory of watching the breaking news of the attacks that day, which shocked the world.
My family frequently discussed the 9/11 terror attacks, especially the crash into the World Trade Center that claimed the lives of nearly 3,000 innocent individuals, including first responders. My late grandmother would become emotional while watching the news, feeling as if she had lost her own family due to the tragedy.
The collapse of the Twin Towers dominated headlines for years, and the coverage was a constant presence in our home. These early experiences ignited in me a desire to understand the full impact of 9/11 on world history.
On that fateful morning, 19 terrorists from the extremist group al Qaeda hijacked four commercial planes, crashing two into the North and South Towers of the World Trade Center. The Twin Towers ultimately fell due to the damage and resulting fires, resulting in the loss of life from 93 different countries.
A third plane struck the Pentagon in Arlington, Virginia, killing 184 civilians and military personnel. Passengers on the fourth hijacked flight, Flight 93, fought back and the plane went down in a Pennsylvania field, claiming 40 lives.
Fast forward to September 1, 2024, my journey led me to New York as part of the International Visitors Leadership Programme organized by the United States Department of State. I made it a priority to visit the 9/11 Memorial in lower Manhattan.
Leaving the Park Central Hotel with a colleague around 11 a.m., we took a short drive to the memorial site. We encountered many tourists from around the world who also wanted to pay their respects.
The memorial features two large pools, each nearly an acre, located at the foundations of the original North and South Towers. The pools, designed by architect Michael Arad, contain the largest man-made waterfalls in North America, cascading down 30 feet into a square basin before descending another 20 feet into a central void. This design represents “absence made visible,” creating a serene atmosphere amidst the city’s bustle.
Walking through the memorial, I felt a profound sorrow as I read the names of the 2,983 victims inscribed on the bronze panels surrounding the pools. Each name represented a life lost, a story abruptly changed. The gravity of the moment was overwhelming as I stood before the reflecting pools, a powerful reminder of that tragic day.
Among the names was “Rahma Salle and her unborn child.” Rahma was traveling on American Airlines Flight 11 when it crashed into the North Tower. She was 28 and seven months pregnant, en route with her husband, both of whom perished that day.
Surrounding the memorial is a unique tree known as the Survivor Tree, a Callery pear tree that withstood the 9/11 attacks. Discovered by recovery workers in October 2001, the tree was removed and rehabilitated before being returned to the site in 2010, symbolizing resilience and hope.
Visiting the 9/11 Memorial marked an emotional journey, allowing me to truly grasp the profound loss of September 11, 2001. The etched names served as a reminder of the nearly 3,000 lives lost and the many heroics of first responders.
As I walked through the accompanying museum, I encountered personal artifacts, emotional testimonies, and historical displays that brought the day into sharp focus. The exhibits illustrated the bravery of those who rushed into danger and the grief of families who lost loved ones, showcasing the enduring impact of their stories.
This visit wasn’t merely a tour; it was a poignant journey into the heart of a global tragedy. The experience reinforced the lasting legacy of September 11, a day that continues to shape our world today.