On Sept. 11, 2001, a sunny New York City morning turned into one of the darkest days of American history. Today, nearly a quarter of a century later, many students only know about 9/11 through teachers and professors, memorials and stories told by families.
On this day, four hijacked planes took to the skies. Two hit the World Trade Centers in downtown New York City, one hit the Pentagon and another crashed in a Pennsylvania field. This left around 3,000 people dead and a nation forever changed.
For many college students, 9/11 is a day they did not live through. Many were born after the attack or were too young to remember what was happening. Still, it greatly impacted the world we now know.
Airport security was permanently altered. The Transportation Security Administration was created on Nov. 19, 2001, after the Aviation and Transportation Security Act was passed by Congress.
“Driven by a desire to help our nation, tens of thousands of people joined TSA and committed themselves to strengthening our transportation systems while ensuring the freedom of movement for people and commerce,” the TSA website states.
TSA changed how Americans move through airports. There were new rules for screening, identification and carry-on items.
After the attacks, the U.S. began a war with Afghanistan that lasted 20 years and has been estimated to cause 900,000 casualties according to an article from Brown University.
“The war has been long and complex and horrific and unsuccessful… and the war continues in over 80 countries,” Catherine Lutz, co-director of Costs of War and a professor of international and public affairs at Brown University said in a news article.
The conflict was finally resolved 2021 when the U.S., NATO and other allies withdrew their troops after the Taliban took over the country according to an article by NATO.
The attacks also influenced how Americans think about safety, community and national identity. In the weeks that followed, national pride and solidarity rose to an all-time high as the country came together and mourned the losses of those who had passed.
For students today, understanding 9/11 is about more memorizing facts or dates. It’s recognizing how the event shaped laws, public attitude and institutions. It also means reflecting back on history and what lessons can be learned from the past.
Sept. 11 remains a moment to pause and reflect. Though time moves forward, the events of the day continue to impact the present and the future. Remembering ensures that the losses are honored and not forgotten.
Andrea Roberts can be reached at [email protected].