9/11 - 20 Year Memorial
Following the disorganized evacuation from Afghanistan, we are again mourning the tragic loss of American lives, in combination with the 3000 people who have lost their lives to the tragedy of 9/11 and its 20 year aftermath. America’s fallen heroes, and victims of September 11th, will not be forgotten.
A Visual Timeline of September 11th, 2001
New York City
With twenty years now behind us—since the Taliban allowed al-Qaeda to perform the gruesome attacks on our nation, New York City, and the 9/11 Museum have announced that they cannot afford the “full celebration” of the twenty year Memorial Service. This announcement comes from the lack of allocating taxpayer funds—or even acknowledgment of any preparation for the event—by Mayor Bill de Blasio, and Governor Cuomo.
Shockingly, this year, the museum is restricting the reading-of-the-names ceremony exclusively to families of 9/11 victims. 9/11’s first response firefighters, police, emergency workers, who are normally not formally invited but always in attendance will be “uninvited” and barred from this year’s service.
Ex-Governor Cuomo, Now-Governor Kathy Hochul, and Mayor de Blasio planned nothing to make the 2021 commemoration special. A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone and online survey found that 45% of Likely U.S. Voters believe that many Americans have forgotten the impact of the 9/11 terrorist attacks. 42% disagree, stating they believed Americans had not forgotten. 13% were not sure. (To see the full survey question wording, click here.)
Those fallen, and the United States military, have allowed us our freedoms to exist, and the security of our country. Despite the State and city of New York not recognizing the importance of the full attendance of this event, we as citizens of this incredible country must never forget, and never take for granted the freedoms that were fought to obtain, and the individual liberties we have as citizens of this nation.
Biden Previously Barred From 20 Year Memorial Service, Due to Classified 9/11 Documents
Among those who were not offered attendance this year, President Biden in April, was barred from this event, this time not from a lack of funding, but by the families of the victims from 9/11. This request came after Biden refused to declassify documents from the 9/11 investigation, preventing the families from knowing all the details involving their loss. In a letter signed by 1,800 family members of the victims from 9/11 states:
"We cannot in good faith, and with veneration to those lost, sick, and injured, welcome the president to our hallowed grounds until he fulfils his commitment," says the letter from family members, first responders and survivors. It continues “Through multiple administrations, the Department of Justice and the FBI have actively sought to keep this information secret and prevent the American people from learning the full truth about the 9/11 attacks."
"Twenty years later, there is simply no reason - unmerited claims of 'national security' or otherwise - to keep this information secret," the group wrote. "But if President Biden reneges on his commitment and sides with the Saudi government, we would be compelled to publicly stand in objection to any participation by his administration in any memorial ceremony of 9/11."
The 2021 Declassification of 9/11 Documents
On September 3rd, 2021 President Biden signed an executive order releasing the classified documents over the next six months.
Joe Biden stated “As we approach the 20th anniversary of that tragic day, I am honoring that commitment. Today, I signed an executive order directing the Department of Justice and other relevant agencies to oversee a declassification review of documents related to the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s September 11th investigations. The executive order requires the Attorney General to release the declassified documents publicly over the next six months.”
He continued “We must never forget the enduring pain of the families and loved ones of the 2,977 innocent people who were killed during the worst terrorist attack on America in our history. For them, it was not only a national and international tragedy. It was a personal devastation. For 20 years, children have grown up without parents and parents have suffered without children. Husbands and wives have had to find a way forward without their partners in life. Brothers and sisters, uncles and aunts, loved ones and friends have celebrated 20 years of birthdays, family gatherings, and milestones looking at an empty chair at homes and with a hole in their hearts.”
Biden concluded “My heart continues to be with the 9/11 families who are suffering, and my Administration will continue to engage respectfully with members of this community. I welcome their voices and insight as we chart a way forward.”
Biden’s 9/11 Speech
"To the families of the 2,977 people from more than 90 nations killed on September 11, 2001, in New York City, Arlington, Virginia, and Shanksville, Pennsylvania, and the thousands of more that were injured, America and the world commemorate you and your loved ones," Biden said in a video.
https://twitter.com/whitehouse/status/1436454819028508672?s=20
"We honor all those who risked and gave their lives in the minutes, hours, months, and years afterward," Biden added. "The firefighters, the police officers, EMTs and construction workers, and doctors and nurses, faith leaders, service members, veterans, and all of the everyday people who gave their all to rescue, recover, and rebuild.
"But it's so hard, whether it's the first year or the 20th," Biden continued. "Children have grown up without parents, and parents have suffered without children. Husbands and wives have had to find ways forward without their partners in their life with them … No matter how much time has passed, these commemorations bring everything painfully back as if you just got the news a few days ago."
Biden attended the 9/11 memorial in New York City, alongside Former President Obama.
https://twitter.com/charliespiering/status/1436688502398328838?s=20
Obama’s Statement
https://twitter.com/barackobama/status/1436655211846721537?s=20
Other Statements
Eric Adams:
https://twitter.com/ericadamsfornyc/status/1436677348074590208?s=20
A Moment of Reflection
Today, we honor those who lost their lives on September 11th, 2001. Please take a moment to reflect upon this day that changed America, the loss of life, the victims families, and the frontline heroes who risked their lives to save the survivors.