It is a somber day filled with tears and tributes as New York City and
millions across the country mark the 17th Anniversary of the September 11th
terror attacks.
There were moments of silence, volunteer projects and a new monument to
victims, after a year when two attacks demonstrated the enduring threat of
terrorism in the nation's biggest city.
The events of that terrible day and the weeks, months and years that
followed are never forgotten, nor are the memories of those killed by terrorists
at the World Trade Center, the Pentagon, and a field in Pennsylvania.
Additionally, we remember all those who have died from 9/11-related illnesses
from their heroic work at ground zero and those who suffer today.
Family and friends of the victims, survivors, rescuers and others once
again gathered on at the memorial plaza where the World Trade Center's Twin
Towers once stood, this time on a misty Tuesday morning.
Margie Miller was among them, having traveled from her home in Baldwin as
she does 10 or so times a year to remember her husband, Joel Miller. Only a few
fragments of his remains were recovered.
"To me, he is here," she said. "This is my holy
place."
Nearly 3,000 people died in the attacks on 9/11, when international
terrorism hit home in a way it previously hadn't for many Americans. September
11 still shapes American policy, politics and everyday experiences in places
from airports to office buildings, even if it's less of a constant presence in
the public consciousness after 17 years.
A stark reminder came not long after last year's anniversary: A truck mowed
down people, killing eight, on a bike path within a few blocks of the World
Trade Center on Halloween. Then in December, a would-be suicide bomber set off
a pipe bomb in a subway passageway near Times Square, authorities said. They
said suspects in both attacks were inspired by the Islamic State extremist
group.
The 9/11 commemorations are by now familiar rituals, centered on reading
the names of the dead. But each year at ground zero, victims' relatives infuse
the ceremony with personal messages of remembrance, inspiration and concern.
Hours after the ceremony, two powerful light beams will soar into the
night sky from lower Manhattan in the annual "Tribute in Light."
President Donald Trump and Vice President Mike Pence headed to the two
other places where hijacked planes crashed on September 11, 2001, in the
deadliest terror attack on American soil.
The president and first lady Melania Trump joined an observance at the
September 11 memorial in a field near Shanksville, Pennsylvania, where a new
"Tower of Voices" was dedicated Saturday. Pence is attending a
ceremony at the Pentagon.
Memorials to 9/11 continue to grow at Shanksville, where the Tower of
Voices will eventually include a wind chime for each of the 40 people killed
there, and ground zero, where work is to begin soon on a pathway honoring
rescue and recovery workers.
It will serve as a way to honor those who became sick or died from
exposure to toxins released when the Trade Center's twin towers collapsed.
Researchers have documented elevated rates of respiratory ailments,
post-traumatic stress disorder and other illnesses among people who spent time
in the rubble.
About 38,500 people have applied to a compensation fund, and over $3.9
billion in claims have been approved.
Meanwhile, rebuilding continues. A subway station destroyed on 9/11
finally reopened Saturday. In June, doors opened at the 80-story 3 World Trade
Center, one of several rebuilt office towers that have been constructed or
planned at the site. A performing arts center is rising. And a new exhibit at
the National September 11 Memorial and Museum shows the dramatic impact sports
had on the nation's recovery.
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