Where were you on Sept. 11th, 2001? I remember vividly where I was and how I felt as we watched the aftermath of the attacks.
It has been 25 years since America was attacked for the ideals she stands for. These coordinated series of suicide attacks was conducted by a terrorist group known as al-Qaeda. A total of 19 terrorists planned and subsequently hijacked four airliners, flying one into each of the Twin Towers at the World Trade Center in New York City.
The third plane crashed into the Pentagon, which is the headquarters of the United States Department of Defense, in Arlington, Va. The fourth plane crashed in a rural field in Pennsylvania during a passenger revolt.
In response to these attacks, the United States launched a Global War on Terror, seeking to eliminate hostile groups deemed terrorist organizations and the governments that support them. Bin Laden was determined to be the mastermind of the attacks. Ten years later, bin Laden was found and executed for these atrocities.
The attacks killed 2,977 people and injured thousands more, and that day remains the deadliest attack in history as well as the deadliest attack on firemen, policemen, and other first responders. The attack killed 343 firefighters and 72 members of law enforcement.
On this date each year, memorial services are held across the United States to honor the victims of the 2001 attacks. This day of remembrance underscores the ongoing impact of 9/11 on politics, our security, and public life, while also serving as a reminder of the human cost and resilience of the victims and families.
I have been to the 9/11 Memorial & Museum in New York City. I found it difficult as I walked through the Memorial & Museum, as thoughts flooded my mind, and I was reminded of the price America paid for our ideals and what we stand for in this world.
As America reflects on that day, I encourage you to never forget the price America has paid to be free over the course of the last 250 years. Freedom is not free.
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Steven Jeter is Chief of Police in Trinity.
