It has been 19 years since 19 militants associated with the terrorist group, Al Qaeda, hijacked four aeroplanes and instituted the deadliest terrorist attack in the history of the United States. The suicide attacks hit targeted areas like the World Trade Center in New York City, the Pentagon, and the last plane crashed in a field in Pennsylvania. These incidents caused a death toll of nearly 3000 people, left several thousand injured, and the number of people who have developed 9/11 related sicknesses, like cancer and cardiovascular disease, continues to rise.

Every year remembrance of the victims and survivors is celebrated at the 9/11 memorial, which was built where the Twin towers once stood, and across the country. The Patriot Day is commemorated with certain observances, like the flag of the United States being flown at half-mast at the White House and on all U.S government buildings and organizations around the world, moments of silence are observed from 8:46 a.m., when the first plane struck the Twin Tower and the names of those who passed away will be read. Also, the first responders and volunteers who risked their lives to save others will be honoured. For instance, the Rockets ensured that their virtual fans wore a “fire” merchandise, at the playoffs game against the Lakers yesterday, to show their support to the fire service.

In addition to these, the 9/11 Memorial plaza will be made open to the public from afternoon to midnight for viewing the Tribute in Light. Two beams of light will reach into the sky to form the Twin tower that once stood. Families and friends of the victims will converge at ground zero to honour the annual rites of remembrance. Some with flowers, others with placards and T-shirts with the names on it.
Truly, the 9/11 incident is a tragedy that will always be remembered by all and its impact will be felt for years to come. A lot of events have taken place since then, as the U.S government retaliated by obliterating the Taliban extremists group and killing the mastermind of the attack, Osama Bin Laden. Also, the fears of future attacks led to the creation of the Department of Homeland Security.

As the United States commemorates the Patriot Day, it is important to put into perspective the people who lost their lives and sacrificed.