“They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old:
Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun and in the morning
We will remember them.”
— Laurence Binyon, For the Fallen
As we honor the memory of those who perished on September 11, 2001, we are reminded of the courage and resilience that defined that tragic day. Their spirit remains a guiding light, illuminating our path as we navigate a world forever changed by their sacrifice.
The nearly 3,000 lives lost on September 11 in the attacks on the World Trade Center, the Pentagon and aboard United Flight 93 have become part of our collective consciousness, ensuring their legacy endures. Though they no longer walk among us, their bravery and selflessness continue to inspire us, serving as a powerful reminder of the strength of the human spirit.
I remember that day vividly, even as a British Army Staff Officer stationed at a 2 Star, Major General’s headquarters.
The usual bustle of military life was replaced by an eerie silence as we watched the horror unfold on television. That silence was soon broken by the sound of phones and alarms, signaling the start of a long and difficult almost 20-year conflict.
Emigrating to the United States years later, I, too, came to respect and revere those who ran toward danger rather than away from it.
As time moves on, and September 11 transitions from living memory to history, we must preserve the legacy and honor of all who perished. Remembering that fateful day is not just about looking back; it is about ensuring that future generations understand the profound impact of this event. It is through remembrance that we honor the victims, respect the sacrifices of the heroes who responded and reinforce the values that define us.
Why we must remember 9/11
As time passes, the urgency to keep the lessons of September 11 alive grows stronger. For the nearly 3,000 victims, we owe it to their memory to ensure their stories are not forgotten. Their lives, cut short by an act of terror, deserve to be remembered with dignity and respect. For the countless first responders who risked, and in many cases, sacrificed their lives to save others, we must continue to tell their stories of bravery and selflessness.
These narratives of courage inspire future generations to value heroism and compassion in times of crisis. Moreover, remembering September 11 serves as a powerful reminder of the unity and resilience that emerged in the aftermath. It was a moment when people across the United States and around the world came together in solidarity, setting aside differences to support one another. This unity is a crucial lesson for today’s world, where division often seems more prevalent than common purpose.
Key lessons for first responders
The events of September 11 impart critical lessons for public safety organizations and first responders, whose roles were forever transformed by tragedy.
One of the most profound lessons is the importance of interagency coordination. The response to September 11 highlighted the need for a unified command structure and interoperable communication systems.
In the years since, initiatives like the National Incident Management System (NIMS) and Incident Command System (ICS) have been developed to standardize and improve multi-agency responses. Preparedness and realistic training have also become paramount.
The complexity and scale of the attacks underscored the necessity of preparing for a wide range of scenarios. Public safety organizations now conduct regular drills that simulate various emergencies, ensuring that first responders are equipped to handle even the most unexpected situations.
Another key takeaway is the importance of intelligence and information sharing. The need for better coordination between local, state and federal agencies led to the creation of fusion centers, which facilitate the analysis and sharing of intelligence to preempt potential threats. The focus on preventive measures and intelligence-led policing is now a cornerstone of public safety.
The health and safety of first responders, both physical and mental, emerged as a critical concern in the aftermath of September 11. Many first responders faced long-term health issues as a result of their exposure to hazardous conditions, highlighting the need for ongoing health monitoring and support. The importance of proper personal protective equipment (PPE) and mental health resources is now ingrained in the training and protocols of public safety organizations.
Finally, September 11 reinforced the need for adaptability and flexibility in responding to dynamic threats. Public safety organizations must continually evolve, updating their policies and procedures to address new and emerging challenges. The balance between security and civil liberties remains a critical consideration, as does the need for international cooperation in combating global threats.
A legacy of vigilance and unity
As we remember September 11, we honor the lives lost, the heroes who responded and the resilience of those who survived. We commit to ensuring that future generations understand the significance of this day and the lessons it imparts.
In doing so, we not only preserve the memory but also strengthen our collective resolve to face the challenges of tomorrow with the same unity, courage and determination that defined our response to the events of September 11, 2001.
NEXT: In this special crossover episode of the Policing Matters, Better Every Shift and Inside EMS podcasts, Cohosts Jim Dudley, Aaron Zamzow and Rob Lawrence highlight the importance of remembering 9/11 not just as a historical event but as a continuing influence on how public safety agencies operate today.
