‘Life won’t let us forget’ 9/11
United States
Americans were commemorating 9/11 with mournful ceremonies, volunteering, appeals to ‘‘never forget’’ and rising attention to the terror attacks’ extended toll on responders.
A crowd of victims’ relatives were expected at ground zero while US President Donald Trump was scheduled to join an observance at the Pentagon. Vicepresident Mike Pence was to speak at the third attack site, near Shanksville, Pennsylvania.
Former president George W Bush, the commander-in-chief at the time of the 2001 attacks, was due at an afternoon wreath-laying at the Pentagon.
Eighteen years after the deadliest terrorist attack on American soil, the nation is still grappling with the aftermath at ground zero, in Congress and beyond. The attacks’ aftermath is visible from airport security checkpoints to Afghanistan.
A rocket exploded at the US embassy as the anniversary began in Afghanistan, where a post-9/11 invasion has become America’s longest war.
‘‘People say, ‘Why do you stand here, year after year?’’’ Chundera Epps, a sister of September 11 victim Christopher Epps, said at last year’s ceremony at the World Trade Center. ‘‘Because soldiers are still dying for our freedom. First responders are still dying and being ill.’’
‘‘We can’t forget. Life won’t let us forget,’’ she added.
The anniversary ceremonies centre on remembering the nearly 3000 people killed when hijacked planes rammed into the trade center, the Pentagon and a field near Shanksville in 2001. All those victims’ names are read aloud at the ground zero ceremony.
But there has been growing awareness in recent years of the suffering of another group of people tied to the tragedy: firefighters, police and others who died or fell ill after exposure to the wreckage and the toxins unleashed in it.
While research continues into whether those illnesses are tied to 9/11 toxins, a victims compensation fund for people with potentially September 11-related health problems has awarded more than $5.5 billion so far. More than 51,000 people have applied.
After years of legislative gridlock, dwindling money in the fund and fervent activism by ailing first responders and their advocates, Congress this summer made sure the fund won’t run dry. Trump, a Republican and a New Yorker who was in the city on 9/11, signed the measure in July.
The sick gained new recognition this year at the memorial plaza at ground zero, where the new 9/11 Memorial Glade was dedicated this spring.
The tribute features six large stacks of granite inlaid with salvaged trade center steel, with a dedication ‘‘to those whose actions in our time of need led to their injury, sickness, and death.’’ No one is named specifically. – AP