Today marks the 14th anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks, which claimed the lives of close to 3,000 innocent victims and injured more than 6,000 others.
Of those victims, 72 law enforcement officers and 343 firefighters were killed in the tragedy; the deadliest incident for first responders in this country's history.
While the attacks hit three locations directly -- the World Trade Center in New York City; the Pentagon in Arlington, Va.; and the small Pennsylvania town of Shanksville, Pa. -- they indirectly impacted the entire nation. Across the country, millions mourned those lost in the horrific event. The United States has never been the same, and in many ways, those who lived through it have been forever changed.
Every year remembrances are held not only in the locations hit by the attacks, but in cities in towns across the United States. Fourteen years later and the ceremonies, vigils and memorials continue.
This year, those born on that date -- September 11, 2001 -- will be entering high school. The event for them is very much history. So that they, and future generations, never forget what happened that fall day, we must take the time every year to remember those who were lost.
Here are four remembrances -- written by our editors -- as the nation mourns once again.
- September 11, 2001: We Will Never Forget -- Written by Editorial Director Lt. Frank Borelli (ret)
- Advancements in Law Enforcement Since 9/11 -- Written by Editor Jonathan Kozlowski
- How the 9/11 Terrorist Attacks Changed Us All -- Written by Editor Sara Scullin
- Memories of 9/11 Still Carried on by Survivors -- Written by Associate Editor Paul Peluso
