Nation Unites to Honor 9/11 Victims Amid Presidential Campaign Season
September 11, 2024The U.S. is commemorating the lives lost and affected by the September 11 attacks, which resulted in nearly 3,000 deaths from coordinated hijackings of commercial airplanes in 2001.
This year marks the 23rd anniversary of the attacks, with Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump expected to attend remembrance ceremonies at the World Trade Center in New York and the Flight 93 National Memorial in Pennsylvania.
President Biden will also participate in ceremonies at all three attack sites: New York, Pennsylvania, and the Pentagon, highlighting the significance of this moment in his political career.
Since 2012, the National September 11 Memorial and Museum has focused the ceremony on family members reading the names of victims, minimizing political speeches to honor the deceased.
While politicians can attend, the emphasis remains on honoring the victims, with family members often sharing personal tributes and reflections.
Although some relatives have used the platform to express political sentiments, the majority of remarks at the memorials focus on tributes to the deceased.
The attacks prompted the U.S. to initiate a 'Global War on Terrorism,' leading to military operations in Afghanistan and Iraq, which caused substantial loss of life on both sides.
The 9/11 attacks led to significant changes in U.S. foreign policy, domestic security, and the general perception of safety among Americans.
Young attendees at the ceremonies increasingly include children and young adults who never met their relatives lost in the attacks, reflecting the ongoing impact of that day.
Communities across the U.S. have developed various remembrance traditions for 9/11, including wreath-laying, marches, and volunteer projects.
The attacks on 9/11 resulted in 2,977 deaths and significantly altered U.S. foreign policy and domestic security practices.
Historically, politicians have attempted to set aside their differences during 9/11 memorials, as demonstrated in 2008 when then-senators John McCain and Barack Obama visited Ground Zero together.
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