September 11, 2001 is being remembered as the anniversary of the terrorist attacks that changed the world and people's lives 25 years ago. For Colin McShane, who was just 4½ years old at the time, his father's death on 9/11 is a significant event in his life. His father was a firefighter who had joined the FDNY for only 18 months, but had plans to continue serving.
In Canada, Sue Riccardelli and her wife Maureen Murray have been honoring the people of central Newfoundland who took care of them and over 6,500 other passengers after 38 planes were grounded in Gander, N.L. They are now returning to Gander for the anniversary and plan to bring their flag as a message of love and solidarity.
New Yorkers who worked at Windows on the World, the restaurant on the 107th floor of the North Tower, still carry memories of that day. One employee, Paulo Villela, immigrated from Brazil just to work there for its benefits, but lost his life in the attacks.
In recent years, many Americans have been scapegoating Muslims and eroding civil liberties through policies like warrantless wiretaps and racist deportation campaigns. This phenomenon of Islamophobia continues to play a major role in politics today.
9/11 responders, including Mia Farina, are still getting sick from their work at ground zero, despite promises of care through the World Trade Center Health Program. Many have died from complications related to their service on that day.
In addition to remembering those who lost their lives, it's also important for parents to share this historical event with their children and teach them about the impact of 9/11 on American society.
