On September 11, 2001, I was only four years old, living in Fiji, far from the tragic events unfolding in Lower Manhattan, New York. I vividly recall the images broadcasted on the news that day, which left an indelible mark on the world.
My parents and grandparents often discussed the 9/11 attacks, especially the crashes into the World Trade Center that led to the deaths of nearly 3,000 innocent people, including many first responders. My late grandmother would often tear up as she watched the news, mourning the victims as if they were her own family.
The attacks on the Twin Towers garnered global headlines, and news coverage of the aftermath was a constant fixture in our home for years to come. These early experiences ignited in me a personal dedication to understanding the full impact of 9/11 and its significance in world history.
On the morning of September 11, 2001, 19 terrorists associated with Al-Qaeda hijacked four commercial flights, crashing two into the North and South Towers of the World Trade Center in New York City. The Twin Towers ultimately collapsed due to the severe damage from the crashes and ensuing fires, resulting in nearly 3,000 fatalities from 93 different countries.
The third hijacked plane crashed into the Pentagon, causing the deaths of 184 civilians and service members. After learning about the other attacks, passengers on the fourth hijacked flight, Flight 93, fought back, leading to the plane’s crash into a field in Pennsylvania, where 40 lives were lost.
Fast forward to September 1, 2024, during my visit to New York through the International Visitors Leadership Program by the United States Department of State. I made it a priority to visit the 9/11 memorial in Lower Manhattan. Along with a colleague, we left our hotel around 11 a.m. and made our way to the memorial site, passing significant landmarks along the way.
Upon arrival, we were greeted by numerous visitors from around the globe who also sought to pay their respects. The memorial features two large reflecting pools situated where the North and South Towers once stood. Each pool encompasses nearly an acre and contains the largest manmade waterfalls in North America, cascading into a central void, symbolizing “absence made visible,” according to the memorial’s architect, Michael Arad. The sound of the flowing water offers a serene space for reflection away from the bustling city.
Walking through the memorial was an emotional experience as I read the names of the 2,983 individuals inscribed on the bronze parapets surrounding the pools. Each name represented a life tragically lost, and I felt the significance of standing in such a historical and somber place.
Among the names, I came across that of Rahma Salle, a 28-year-old from Boston who was pregnant and traveling with her husband when American Airlines Flight 11 crashed into the North Tower. The memorial stands as a stark reminder of the lives that were abruptly cut short on that day.
Notably, the memorial plaza features the Survivor Tree, a Callery pear tree that endured the destruction of 9/11. Discovered damaged at Ground Zero in late 2001, the tree was nursed back to health and returned to the site in 2010, symbolizing resilience and hope.
Visiting the 9/11 Memorial for the first time brought forth a profound emotional experience, allowing me to fully comprehend the extent of the loss incurred on September 11, 2001. Each name etched in the bronze panels is a reminder of the nearly 3,000 lives lost, making the memorial a place for honoring memories.
Inside the museum, personal artifacts, testimonies, and historical exhibits starkly highlighted the events of that day, honoring those who responded to the crisis and the families left behind. The collective grief surrounding these stories underscored the enduring impact of the tragedy.
Overall, my visit was a significant reminder of the legacy of 9/11 and its ongoing effects on our global community. White roses are often placed on the names of victims at the memorial, signifying remembrance, especially on their birthdays.