Commemoration of September 11 – A legacy of remembrance, unity and vigilance

“They will not grow old as we who are left grow old.

Age shall not weary them, nor years condemn them.

At sunset and in the morning

We will remember them.”

— Laurence Binyon, For the fallen

We honor the memory of those who perished on 11 September 2001we are reminded of the courage and resilience that marked that tragic day. Her spirit remains a shining example, lighting our way through a world forever changed by her sacrifice.

The nearly 3,000 people who lost their lives 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 that their legacy lives on. Although they are no longer with us, their courage and selflessness continue to inspire us and are a powerful reminder of the strength of the human spirit.

I can still remember that day vividly, even when I was a staff officer in the British Army, stationed at the headquarters of a two-star Major General.

As we watched the horror unfold on television, the usual hustle and bustle of military life was replaced by an eerie silence. This silence was soon broken by the sounds of telephone calls and alarms, signaling the beginning of a long and difficult conflict that would last for nearly 20 years.

Years later, when I immigrated to the United States, I too learned to respect and honor those who ran toward danger rather than fleeing from it.

As time marches on and 9/11 passes from the memory of the living into history, we must preserve the legacy and honor of all who lost their lives. Remembering that fateful day is not just about looking back; it is about ensuring future generations understand the profound impact of that event. By remembering, we honor the victims, respect the sacrifices of the heroes who responded, and reinforce the values ​​that define us.

Why we must remember September 11th

As time passes, it becomes more urgent to keep the lessons of 9/11 alive. We owe it to the nearly 3,000 victims to ensure their stories are not forgotten. Their lives, cut short by an act of terrorism, deserve to be remembered with dignity and respect. To the countless first responders who risked their lives and, in many cases, sacrificed them to save others, we must continue to tell their stories of bravery and selflessness.

These stories of courage inspire future generations to value heroism and compassion in times of crisis. Moreover, the memory of 9/11 is a powerful reminder of the unity and resilience that emerged in its aftermath. It was a moment when people in the United States and around the world came together in solidarity, putting aside their differences to support one another. That unity is an important lesson for today's world, where division often seems stronger than common purpose.

Important lessons for first responders

The events of September 11 teach important lessons to public safety organizations and first responders whose roles were forever changed by the tragedy.

One of the most important lessons is the importance of coordination between agencies. The response to 9/11 highlighted the importance of a unified command structure and interoperable communications systems.

In the years that followed, initiatives such as the National Incident Management System (NIMS) and the Incident Command System (ICS) were developed to standardize and improve multi-agency responses. Preparation and realistic training have also become paramount.

The complexity and scale of the attacks highlighted the need to prepare for a variety of scenarios. Public safety organizations now regularly conduct drills simulating various emergencies to ensure that emergency responders are prepared for even the most unexpected situations.

Another key point 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 that facilitate the analysis and sharing of intelligence to prevent 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, became a critical concern after 9/11. Many first responders suffered long-term health problems due to their exposure to hazardous conditions, highlighting the need for ongoing health monitoring and support. The importance of appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) and mental health resources are now integral to public safety organizations' training and protocols.

Finally, September 11 underscored the need for adaptability and flexibility in responding to dynamic threats. Public safety organizations must continually evolve and update their policies and procedures to meet 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 commemorate September 11, we honor the lives lost, the heroes who fought, and the resilience of the survivors. We work to ensure that future generations understand the significance of this day and the lessons it teaches.

In doing so, we not only preserve the memory but also strengthen our common resolve to face the challenges of tomorrow with the same unity, courage and determination that characterized our response to the events of September 11, 2001.

NEXT: In this special crossover episode of Police matters, Better with every layer And Within EMS In their podcasts, co-hosts Jim Dudley, Aaron Zamzow and Rob Lawrence emphasize the importance of remembering September 11 not only as a historical event, but also as its lasting impact on the work of public safety agencies today.