(Photo by RJ Capak/WireImage)
Twenty-one years ago, nearly 3,000 innocent people died, and thousands more were injured in the Sept. 11 attacks.
Masterminded by al Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden, his terrorist organization hijacked airliners. The hijackers crashed them into the World Trade Center in New York City, the Pentagon in Arlington, Virginia, and one plane plowed into a field near Shanksville, Pennsylvania. It was the most significant loss of life from a terrorist attack on American soil.
On Sunday, President Joe Biden commemorated the anniversary, honoring the people who lost their lives, stating, "I know for all those of you who lost someone, 21 years is both a lifetime and no time at all." Biden continued, "It's good to remember. These memories help us heal, but they can also open up the hurt and take us back to that moment when the grief was so raw."
The Response To The Terrorist Attacks
The acts of terror made the United States feel vulnerable, afraid and concerned for its safety. Despite the fear, New Yorkers, some covered with gray ashes, as they were close to the collapse of the iconic Twin Towers, summoned the strength to be brave.
For a brief moment in time, everyone banded together to get through this horrendous event. There were concerns that other attacks may follow. Americans persevered with their lives and did not give in to those who wanted to destroy their nation.
People moved in slow motion, finding it hard to comprehend what had just happened. Without smartphones, it was challenging to find out what was going on. Showing their grit, determination and compassion, everyone tried to help one another. They were polite, as they tried to get on buses or find taxi cabs to return home to their families.
In New York City, you could smell the toxic mixture of burned metal and plastic. Without social media, people turned on the television and saw more buildings collapse or be damaged.
Posters were placed around the city by worried families seeking help in finding lost loved ones. Early on, it was unthinkable that they were still in the buildings. Many thought they found shelter at a friend’s house or were in a hospital being tended to. Sadly, the public learned of the fates of those trapped inside the buildings.
The Financial Crisis, Followed By A Pandemic
About seven-plus years later, New York City and the rest of the country confronted the great financial crisis. Massive layoffs were announced. New York-based investment banks were acquired by competitors as there were risks of bankruptcies following Lehman Brothers. There were massive layoffs. The stock market plummeted. The economy was thrown into a recession and unemployment hit record-high levels.
About a decade later, the U.S. and the world faced another crisis—the Covid-19 outbreak. New York City was, once again, the epicenter of a terrible disaster.
The pandemic changed the way people think about work and life. The Great Resignation, quiet quitting, remote work and other work styles that offer a better work-life balance became acceptable.
Challenging global macro events, runaway inflation and a possible recession, along with Sept. 11, the financial crisis and the pandemic, show that Americans need to start thinking differently. People must change their mindsets about work and life and anticipate that there will always be tough times ahead. You’ll need to be strong, brave and pull together.
Here are some suggestions
- Your time here is short and fleeting. Appreciate each day that you have and make the most of it.
- There will always be bad people who want to do harm, but you can’t let that cloud your vision that there are good people in this world.
- Do what you love and make yourself happy. This is the only chance you get.
- America is about freedom; you can’t give up your precious liberties out of fear.
- During the attacks, firefighters, police officers and everyday Americans did their part to help. This shows that there is hope for Americans to stop the hate and bickering and pull together to create a better and brighter future for our kids and grandchildren.
- Treasure your loved ones and appreciate your time with them, as you never know what could happen.
- Although bad things happen to good and decent people, don’t give up your hope for humanity.
- Question everything. Do your own homework and research.
- Since you put so much time into working, pursue a job or career that offers you meaning, purpose and fulfillment.
