25th Anniversary of 9/11
Today, we mark the 25th anniversary of the coordinated terrorist attacks carried out on the World Trade Center South and North Towers, as well as the Pentagon in Washington, D.C. Of course, we cannot forget the heroic passengers and crew who fought back against the hijackers that took down United Airlines Flight 93 in Shanksville, PA, heading either for the U.S. Capitol or White House.
Naturally, with such a horrific event that shook the entire globe, everyone remembers where they were that day and watching the coverage unfold with great anxiety and uncertainty. As that Tuesday morning unfolded, things seemed to spiral out of control with disbelief as both the South and North towers collapsed. As Catholics, what are some lessons we can take away as we reflect on the 25th anniversary of this tragic event?
First, I took a little time to watch a 9/11 documentary or two, revisiting some of the footage of the day’s carnage. In watching both planes fly into the South and North Towers, it was a clear reminder that the mystery of evil is quite nasty and relentless. It has total disregard for innocent human life, including the destruction of families. Repeatedly, those who knew that they were about to die or expected to die thought of their spouses and children. Many cried out to God and told others to tell their families that they loved them.
Second, as we learned in the World War II course last fall, blind obedience to a secular ideology, any religion without roots in reason, or hatred turns hearts to stone. Such hearts no longer see others as children of God, but as enemies to be destroyed. Hence, the justification to do “whatever it takes” to eliminate those enemies, regardless of the carnage.
Third, I am simply amazed that with every tragedy, there are always extraordinary heroes – ordinary people, first responders, and firefighters – who are willing to sacrifice their lives for others. In watching one documentary, a gentleman out of breath mentioned that he just carried a woman down sixty flights of stairs. In doing so, he saved her life.
Or think of those passengers on United 93, who took counsel with each other to prevent the destruction of the U.S. Capital and thousands of innocent lives. The final words of Todd Beamer, “Are you guys ready? …Let’s roll,” became an iconic rallying cry for American courage. A Minnesota native, Tom Burnett, was also on that plane and famously said, “Don’t worry, we’re going to do something” before storming the cockpit with other heroes. 9/11 was a dark day in our nation’s history, one we must always remember. Even more, may we remember the countless heroes of 9/11 and thank God for them!
~St. Thérèse, pray for us!