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U.S. citizens of a certain age can tell you where they were -- in many cases, very precisely where they were) when they became aware that imperial Japanese naval and air forces paid that unannounced, and therefore unexpected, visit to Pearl Harbor back on Dec. 7, 1941.
The time and date of the Japanese attack that opened the door for direct U.S. involvement in World War II are hard-wired into their individual and collective memories. Life in the U.S. changed on that occasion, they will tell you. After much political division and wrangling up to that point, the nation and its citizens rallied to the flag -- and to each other -- as the U.S. and its allies faced off against intractable foes in the Pacific, Europe and elsewhere.
And so it was 25 years ago today when Al Qaeda terrorists -- the 19 men involved were principally Saudi Arabian -- murdered nearly 3,000 U.S. citizens. Scores of others have died over the years because of illnesses and trauma related to the attacks.
Of course, as we all know, the pervasive sense of patriotism and teamwork that was rife in America right after the attacks didn’t last long before Democrats and Republicans were back at each other’s throats. The partisan culture war still rages, sponging up vast amounts of treasure and truth, eating at the fabric of the nation as cancer eats at its victim.
Al Qaeda terrorist group still exists but has been greatly diminished over the years. It reportedly still operates to some degree in the Middle East, but its hate-filled leader, Osama bin Laden, was killed in a U.S. commando operation in May 2011. His replacements seem to lack the same charisma and organizational skill that he had.
Undoubtedly, the attacks altered U.S. foreign policy, domestic security practices and the mindset of many Americans who had not previously felt vulnerable to attacks by foreign extremists. Effects rippled around the world and through generations as the U.S. responded by leading a “Global War on Terrorism,” which included invasions of Afghanistan and Iraq. Those operations killed hundreds of thousands of Afghans and Iraqis and thousands of American troops and Afghanistan became the site of the United States’ longest war.
Today, on the occasion of the 25th anniversary, many speeches will be given and wreaths laid in locations across this great land of ours. Major ceremonies will be held at Ground Zero in New York, at the Pentagon in Washington, D.C., and in Shanksville, Pennsylvania. Locally, residents will pay their respects with a number of activities planned.
But as a nation we’re left with the following legacy-related questions: What did 9/11 teach us? Are we stronger as a result? Smarter? Are we more prepared? Could it happen again?
Despite the continuing tense political divisions in this country, we believe that 9/11 is a day that all Americans should come together and remember one of our country’s darkest days and also keep in mind the brave men and and women who risked their lives to help others.
The horrific events that took place and the heroes that died that day should never be forgotten.