25 years on, United States seeks to keep 9/11 memories alive

As President Donald Trump forges ahead with his plans, the United States is making concerted efforts to keep 9/11 memories alive, a quarter-century after the catastrophic events of September 11, 2001. While Vice President Kamala Harris and four living former presidents—Joe Biden, Barack Obama, Bill Clinton, and George W. Bush—are set to pay their respects at Ground Zero in New York City, Trump himself will be absent, opting to address the Pentagon instead.

Vice President Kamala Harris, along with Trump's predecessors, is expected to visit the site to honor the victims and remember the tragedy that shook the nation and the world.

For many Americans, the events of September 11, 2001, remain etched in their memories. Beth Hillman, a 59-year-old former Air Force veteran and president of the 9/11 Memorial & Museum, recalls the day vividly. However, she points out that 100 million Americans were not born or were too young to remember the attacks, emphasizing the importance of reaching out to younger generations through education and outreach.

The museum, which attracts 2.4 million unique visitors annually, employs trained volunteers, including first responders, to connect with individuals who experienced the tragedy either firsthand or through their loved ones.

Despite the passage of time, the significance of 9/11 remains profound for some, particularly for those who lost family members or were directly affected by the attacks. Logan Miller, a 32-year-old volunteer who lost an uncle and a grandfather in the tragedy, acknowledges that the younger generation may find it more challenging to grasp the magnitude of the events. Yet, Miller believes that younger people are more curious and eager to ask questions, allowing for a deeper understanding of the impact of 9/11.

The memorial and museum at Ground Zero serve as a vital link between generations, fostering a connection through shared experiences and education. Holly Kafka, a visitor from Chicago, emphasizes the need to engage the younger crowd, who are often preoccupied with social media and daily routines. By providing opportunities for people to experience the memorial and understand the history, Kafka believes that the memory of 9/11 can transcend generations and remain relevant, even as the scope of those directly affected continues to shrink.