On the 20-year anniversary of Sept. 11, recent military troop exit from Afghanistan looms with controversy as to the justification of the decision to leave the battleground after two decades of what experts consider a no-win war.
Foremost in the minds of at least 13 family members who lost their beloved when terrorists blasted a final strike at the Kabul Airport recently, Jacob Jeremiah Sullivan, national security advisor to President Joe Biden said, the fated September date was the target date proposed to remove all uniformed personnel from the nation of Afghanistan.
Despite the political blabber, President Biden’s commitment was kept and by the beginning of this month, airlifts signaled the end.
The initial reasoning for starting the war was to avenge the deaths of 342 firefighters who lost their lives when terrorists attacked America in 2001.
It was the reasoning for intervention into Afghanistan after 23 members of the NYPD and 37 Port Authority officers, and eight emergency technicians and paramedics sacrificed their lives.
In response, President George W. Bush waged a War on Terror by seeking vengeance against Syria, Pakistan, Iraq and Afghanistan.
One year after his announcement, he declared Sept. 11 Patriot Day. Since then every commander in chief has acknowledged the anniversary date as one for remembrance and prayer.
Throughout the years, nine eleven recalls the pain and devastation terrorists visited on Americans.
A single consolation in 2011 seemed a balm when President Barack Obama announced that Osama bin Laden, the alleged orchestrator of the massacre was routed and killed.
Each year, beginning at 8:46 am, a rollcall of names solemnly recalls the travesty. Families gather at the site where the Twin Towers stood and there at the hallowed Ground Zero they pay homage to their fallen loved ones.
At the NationalToday.com web portal, editors explain why the commemoration is necessary — “Patriot Day gives all of us time to reflect on the devastating terror attack that took nearly 3,000 lives. We commemorate those who we lost and give thanks to the brave first responders who put their lives on the line.”
Advice is given as to how each American can pay tribute to the fallen — “Take a moment today to consider what we stand for as a nation and how we can work together to make the world a better place for all.”
Reflection on the events of the shocking Primary, election Tuesday notes: “It was a terrifying day when four planes were hijacked on Sept. 11 2001. The hijackers flew three planes into iconic buildings: The Pentagon in Washington D.C. and the supposed to crash but some people believe it was headed for the White House. The US Capitol, the Camp David presidential retreat in Maryland or one of several nuclear power plants along the eastern seaboard.
The impact of this attack was devastating.
Around 3,000 lives were lost between plane passengers, those in buildings that were struck, and front line workers trying to save people.
It was the biggest act of terrorism ever in the United States.
The majority of lives that were people that worked in the Twin Towers, especially the floors above the collision point as people were trapped and stranded at the top of the burning skyscraper.
411 men and women working in emergency services lost their lives trying to fight fires and rescue people from the building.
It was a heartbreaking attack, which is why Patriot Day was proclaimed by President George W. Bush and is recognized every year on September 11.”
No wonder “on Patriot Day, U.S. flags are lowered halfway and there is a country-wide moment of silence at 8:46 am which is when the first plane crashed into one of the Twin Towers.”
We will never forget that Sept. 11.
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