24 Years Later

For me, it was so hard to believe that last Thursday marked 24 years since the horrendous attack which took the lives of so many of our innocent citizens as mad men crashed jetliners into the symbols of American military might and financial dominance. A fourth plane, whose operation was taken over by another group of terrorists, had their plans dashed as they were overcome by the brave passengers on United Flight 93. Their intent was to crash that aircraft into the symbol of American democracy in the heart of our nation’s capital, but instead ended up in a field in Shanksville, Pennsylvania. 

It was a horrible day that saw innocent civilians murdered, and brave first responders give their lives in a valiant attempt to save so many. We continue to see those images flash across the screens every year on the anniversary of that fateful day. We also continue to see the reports of those who continue to take their last breaths due to the effects of the complications directly related to their efforts during those weeks and months spent searching for the remains days, weeks, and months following the tragic events of that day. 

Those who planned those horrific acts of terrorism thought their efforts would bring America to its knees, but instead saw our nation come together and dedicate itself to hunting down those who masterminded these horrific acts and immediately went into hiding, but were eventually brought to justice. 

 World leaders would be forced to see the world we live in today in a different light as a result of this horrific massacre of innocent civilians. The world changed in the wake of the terrorist attacks of 9/11 in 2001, and for historians, the attacks marked the turn of the century. But since then and until now, many are the milestones that have transformed the reality of the world. 

Over the years since 9/11 our nation began a substantial change in our posture against terrorism, with a shift more towards combating domestic terrorism at home vs. international terrorism. In addition, unlike the immediate years following 9/11 and through the campaign against the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria in the mid-2010s, counterterrorism is no longer the dominant national security issue that draws an outsized level of policymaker and public attention, as well as money, resources, and personnel. 

Many of this next generation, who are now in their mid-thirties, seem to have a tough time understanding the impact on our nation and how that may have impacted those decisions that were made during the decade following those horrifying acts. Because our nation has never been impacted by another terrorist attack since 9/11 some may believe that danger may have passed and feel the lessons learned from that fateful day are no longer as important as those who may have lived through it.  

Americans, as well as all free men and women around the world, should never forget that fateful day, as well as those allies of ours who have been victims of other outrageous events that have occurred within their own shores. 

Our leaders and those of our allies must come to gripswiththe challenges that surround us and the potential for harm, which is as real today as it was 24 years ago. The need to maintain the strength of our alliances is vital if we are to persevere during these challenging times as we seek to show our adversaries that we have the will to do so.  

It is this next generation who I believe holds the future of the world in their hands, and I only pray they understand the fragile nature of keeping the peace through strength in the future.