Terrorists cannot defeat the human spirit

I have two abiding sets of memories.

First it was the layer on layer of horror.

The first plane hitting, then the second, then the scenes of those jumping to their deaths. Then the towers collapsing.

The realisation of how many souls would be lost in addition to the passengers on those aircraft.

Then that some of those lost were New York’s finest, who had run into the inferno to rescue people.

Then the attack on the Pentagon, then United Airlines flight 93.

Then, over many years, the plight of those affected- mentally and physically, through trauma, injury or the inhalation of glass, dust and asbestos. And the suffering of those left to grieve with no body, or even part of a body, to lay to rest.

But over the last 20 years I have formed other memories too. The calls from loved ones wanting to tell their loved ones how much they meant. The bravery of those in the Tower who decided to help others out rather than leave themselves. The heroism of NY city’s responders, the leadership shown at so many levels. The strength of that city and the United States. The communities that rallied, the allies who supported: we stood shoulder to shoulder. The emerging story of the courage and agency of those passengers on 93 who took their fate into their own hands.

This was an act of supreme terrorism. It completely failed in its objectives beyond murdering thousands of people, as all acts of terrorism will do, because you can never defeat the human spirit.”