September 11, 2001: Eighteen years later

Wednesday, September 11, 2019
A snapshot of the front page of the Sept. 12, 2001 Nevada Daily Mail.

It’s been 18 years, but it still seems like yesterday. For many Americans, September 11, 2001 is the day that stood still. It is the day we watched the deadliest terrorist attack ever on American soil being perpetrated live on television. We watched from work, at home or wherever a television was tuned in to the scene that would not only change the landscape of a city, but that of a country and the world.

We watched repeated footage of commercial airlines flying into New York City skyscrapers, were stunned to learn the Pentagon was also hit, and we listened for the fate of the fourth airliner that eventually crashed into a field in Pennsylvania.

For many of those old enough to remember that day, it was the day we were reminded, through the deaths of nearly 3,000 Americans, that we were vulnerable. With each photo or newsreel showing ash-covered Americans stumbling from the scene in shock, Americans jumping to their deaths to escape the suffering, or exhausted first responders sitting alone, weeping quietly — we changed.

It was a fearful time. Many rushed out for fuel amid rumors that a shortage was inevitable. As reported locally at the time, Nevada was no different. Long lines at gas stations were the norm, as were accusations of price gouging.

By October 2001, we had invaded Afghanistan, where we remain today. When France opposed the invasion of Iraq, French fries became freedom fries in some circles. In 2003, the United States led a coalition to invade Iraq, where we remained for nearly a decade.

Referring to America as the “homeland” became the norm with the creation of the Department of Homeland Security.

Air travel changed forever with the creation of the Transportation Security Administration and new security measures implemented and welcomed by nearly 74 percent of Americans, according to Pew Research Center. This added security includes whole body scans that see through clothing of travelers.

Pew also reported that Muslim Americans reported more instances of discrimination and harassment in the immediate aftermath of the September 11 attack, and a May 2019 report shows that 82 percent of Americans believe that Muslims “are subject to at least some discrimination in the U.S. today.”

The now expired Patriot Act was passed soon after the attack, expanding governmental authority over private communications. Surveillance cameras became the norm as public buildings began increasing security measures.

Pew reported that, according to their research, a majority of Americans are willing to forego some freedom in exchange for security. As local Jim Pippin said, “To be safe today in this country, I’m afraid we have had to give some of our freedoms, but yes, I think we definitely need it.”

In December 2001, President George W. Bush signed a resolution designating September 11 “Patriot Day” on which Americans are called on to observe each September 11 with a moment of silence, ceremonies, remembrance services and various activities. It was also recommended flags be flown at half-staff from sunrise to sundown.

Local David Byerly lamented that young people don’t understand the changes that have taken place. “They seem immune to it all. They don’t know a life before 2001.” Byerly was 20 years old and a junior in college at the time of the attack. He acknowledges that while September 11, 2001 was a day of horror for Americans and many the world over, it also brought out the best in people. “I think people started focusing on the more important things in life afterward, like their families and helping others.”

In 2009, President Barack Obama signed into law the Edward M. Kennedy Serve America Act designating the observance of September 11 as an annually recognized "National Day of Service and Remembrance.” In addition to President Bush’s call to action, he called on Americans to “recapture the spirit of unity and compassion that inspired our Nation following the attacks, and rededicate ourselves to sustained service to our communities.”

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