9/11: 23 Years After, The World Will Never Forget

BY ISAAC ASABOR*

On the bright morning of September 11, 2001, the world watched in disbelief as an unprecedented terrorist attack occurred on US soil. Two planes hit the iconic Twin Towers of the World Trade Centre in New York, a third hit the Pentagon, and a fourth, United Airlines Flight 93, crashed in a field in Pennsylvania after passengers bravely fought the hijackers. In a matter of hours, nearly 3,000 people were killed, and the world was forever altered.

Now, 23 years later, the memory of that tragic day echoes around the world. Many people remember the events of 9/11 as vividly as the day they happened. It is a reminder of the fragility of peace, the persistence of terror, and humanity’s resilience in the face of great loss.

The immediate aftermath of 9/11 caused shockwaves in international politics, security frameworks, and global diplomacy. The attack was a brutal wake-up call to the dangers posed by extremist ideologies and non-state actors such as al-Qaeda, the group responsible for the hijacking. In response, the United States launched the War on Terror, which resulted in military interventions in Afghanistan and Iraq, reshaping global alliances and conflicts for decades.

The aftermath of 9/11 is still visible today. Increased airport security, widespread surveillance programs, and changes in foreign policy are just a few of the lasting effects. The attack fuelled not only the global fight against terrorism, but also debates about civil liberties, human rights, and the balance of freedom and security. From drone strikes to the detention of suspects at Guantanamo Bay, decisions made following 9/11 continue to shape geopolitical narratives.

Every year on September 11, the world comes together to remember the lives lost and the bravery of first responders, firefighters, police officers, and ordinary citizens who risked and sacrificed their lives to save others. These heroes, whether climbing the stairs of the burning towers or battling flames at the Pentagon, exemplify the spirit of resilience and sacrifice that still inspires.

In New York, the 9/11 Memorial & Museum serves as a memorial to that fateful day, providing a space for reflection and remembrance. Every victim’s name is engraved into bronze panels surrounding the memorial’s twin reflecting pools, serving as a solemn reminder that each number represents a person who has left loved ones behind.

As time passes, new generations grow up without firsthand knowledge of 9/11, but the collective commitment to “never forget” endures. Schools continue to teach about the significance of the day, and documentaries, books, and films help to spread the stories of victims and heroes. Survivors and their families continue to share their stories, preserving the memories of their loved ones.

Despite the profound lessons of 9/11, the world remains plagued by violence. In the 23 years since that devastating attack, we have seen the rise of terrorism, the spread of banditry, and genocidal killings in numerous regions. From the Middle East to Africa, Europe to Asia, senseless bloodshed continues. Nations are at war, extremist groups cause havoc, and innocent civilians bear the tragic consequences of hatred and division.

The recent spate of violence around the world demonstrates that the world has yet to fully recognise the importance of love, understanding, and coexistence. Instead, divisions and animosity persist, fuelling wars, terrorist attacks, and ethnic cleansing. 9/11 should have been a rallying cry for global unity, a reminder that humanity has common vulnerabilities and that peace can only be achieved through mutual respect and compassion. However, given the ongoing conflicts and rising tensions around the world, it is clear that this message of unity is frequently lost.

As we reflect on 9/11, 23 years later, we must consider the lessons it continues to teach us. In a world still grappling with extremism, terrorism, and global security, it is critical to remember that violence and hatred do not occur in a vacuum. The attack highlighted the importance of addressing root causes such as poverty, political instability, and marginalisation, which can fuel extremist ideologies.

Furthermore, 9/11 demonstrated the value of global unity. In the immediate aftermath, the world came together in support of the United States. Messages of support poured in from all over the world, transcending cultural, religious, and political boundaries. This spirit of unity serves as a reminder that when faced with a common tragedy, we can and should stand together.

However, over the last two decades, the world has struggled to fully internalise this lesson. Instead, divisions have grown, with conflicts over race, religion, and politics escalating. Terrorism, genocide, and senseless violence remind us that humanity’s greatest adversary is frequently itself, its inability to embrace love and coexistence. The horrors of war, ethnic conflict, and ideological extremism demonstrate the deadly consequences of failing to remember this fundamental principle.

Time heals wounds, but it does not erase them. For those who lost loved ones that day, the pain is still present. The memory of the attack haunts the survivors like a shadow. Despite unimaginable horror, there is hope. The resilience demonstrated in the aftermath of 9/11, the way communities rallied, and the determination to rebuild are powerful reminders that even in the darkest of times, there is light.

As we mark the 23rd anniversary of 9/11, we remember the lives lost while also reaffirming our commitment to creating a more just, secure, and peaceful world. The memory of that day serves as both a warning and a call to action: to be vigilant against hatred, to foster understanding, and to advocate for the values of peace and unity. It also serves as a sobering reminder that unless we love one another, the world will remain torn apart by conflict, terror, and hatred.

The events of September 11, 2001, will be remembered for all time. We carry its lessons forward, ensuring that the sacrifices made are never in vain and that the dream of a better, safer world lives on to inspire future generations. However, as we remember, we must also challenge ourselves to put those lessons into practice by loving, respecting, and ensuring that humanity’s shared future is peaceful and understanding. Only then will we truly honour the memory of that day.