Today, we're going to discuss one of the most impactful events in recent history: the attack on
the Twin Towers on September 11, 2001. The attack, orchestrated by the terrorist group al-
Qaeda, was done by hijacking 4 commercial airliners, turned into weapons of destruction, and
released upon both the Twin Towers, in Manhattan, NYC, the Pentagon in Arlington, Virginia, and
into a field in Pennsylvania after passengers attempted to regain control, collapsing in a cloud of
dust and debris, claiming the lives of 2996 people, which 19 of those were terrorist members of
al-Qaeda.
The primary purpose of the 9/11 attacks was to implant fear, disrupt the economy, and provoke
the United States into military retaliation. It aimed to undermine American influence in the
Middle East and rally support for al-Qaeda's extremist ideology.
The attack on the Twin Towers was broadcasted live to approximately 80 millions of people
worldwide and this was the first time in history that an event of such magnitude was witnessed
in real-time by so many people.
One of the most visible legacies of September 11th was the establishment of the 911 emergency
number in the United States. Before this day, emergency services had different numbers in
different areas. The attack highlighted the need for an universal and easy-to-remember
emergency number that would allow for a quick response in critical situations.
This event had an impact on civilians' psychological health, leading to widespread trauma,
anxiety, and grief. Many developed symptoms of PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) and fear,
and struggled with depression and survivor's guilt. Social relationships were strained, and long-
term psychological effects persisted, underscoring the need for ongoing mental health support.
The TSA (Transportation Security Administration) was established to oversee airport security,
implementing thorough passenger screenings to detect explosives or weapons more easily. A lot
of daily items were banned for security measures, such as sharp objects, flammable items, and
liquids exceeding certain volumes. Pilots now are allowed to carry stun guns or firearms under
strict regulations, and the cockpit doors were reinforced. Highly trained canine units are capable
to detect explosives and other illicit substances.
The 9/11 Memorial opened on the 10th anniversary of the attacks. It is located on the western
side of the former World Trade Center complex where the Twin Towers once stood. The names of
people who were killed in the 9/11 attacks in New York, at the Pentagon, and on Flight 93, as well
as in the 1993 bombing at the WTC, are etched in bronze around the edges of the pools where
the memorial is located.
Interestingly, there were rumors that pop icon Michael Jackson was scheduled to attend a
meeting at the World Trade Center on the morning of September 11th, but he was late because
he overslept that day, so he “escaped death”.
President George W. Bush was visiting a school in Sarasota, Florida, at the time of the September
11 attacks. He was participating in a reading event at Emma E. Booker Elementary School. It was
during this visit that he was informed of the first plane hitting the World Trade Center. Despite
being notified of the unfolding crisis, President Bush continued with the scheduled event for a
short time, and tried to maintain calm so he wouldn’t scare the children who were there, before
being updated on subsequent developments.
In conclusion, the September 11th attacks reshaped the world in profound ways, leaving a legacy
that continues to resonate to this day. From the implementation of enhanced security measures
to the enduring memory of the lives lost, the impact of that tragic day will forever be etched in
history.
