24 Years Later: US Reflects on 9/11 Attacks with Memorials and Volunteer Efforts

Americans are commemorating the 24th anniversary of the September 11, 2001 attacks, honouring the nearly 3,000 victims with solemn ceremonies, volunteer activities, and moments of reflection. In New York, families like that of James Lynch, who lost his father in the World Trade Centre collapse, gathered for readings of victims' names and moments of silence at Ground Zero, attended by Vice President JD Vance and his wife. Similar events are taking place at the Pentagon, where 184 lives were lost, and in Shanksville, Pennsylvania, marking the crash of Flight 93.

President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump will attend the Pentagon ceremony before a baseball game, while Veterans Affairs Secretary Doug Collins joins the Shanksville tribute. Amid heightened security due to recent political tensions, including the killing of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, these remembrances emphasise unity and service, with thousands participating in charity events like food drives and cleanups nationwide.

The attacks by al-Qaida militants not only claimed 2,977 lives, including first responders, but also reshaped global policy through the "Global War on Terrorism", leading to invasions of Afghanistan and Iraq. Khalid Sheikh Mohammed, the accused mastermind, remains untried at Guantánamo Bay, highlighting ongoing legal challenges.

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The National September 11 Memorial and Museum, featuring pools inscribed with victims' names, serves as a poignant reminder, with the Trump administration considering federal oversight to designate it a national monument. Health programmes continue to support over 140,000 people affected by toxic dust, underscoring the enduring impact.

This day of remembrance fosters national healing, blending grief with community service and calling for solidarity in the face of history's shadows.

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