In Focus: Patriot Day, 2007

Anniversary of the September 11, 2001 Attacks

A Proclamation by the President of the United States of America:

“September 11, 2001, was a defining moment in American history. On that terrible day, our Nation saw the face of evil as 19 men barbarously attacked us and murdered people of many races, nationalities, and creeds. On Patriot Day, we remember the innocent victims, and we pay tribute to the valiant firefighters, police officers, emergency personnel, and ordinary citizens who risked their lives so others might live.” (President George W. Bush, September 4, 2007)

September 11, 2001, will be remembered as one of the most shocking days in the history of the United States. Armed terrorists hijacked four passenger jets and used them as weapons against the United States. The attacks destroyed the World Trade Center, damaged the Pentagon, and killed almost three thousand people in New York, Washington, D.C., and Pennsylvania. Hundreds of those who lost their lives that day were citizens of other nations. The world rallied around the United States and the more than 90 other countries suffering losses with generous offers of assistance and expressions of condolence.

World Trade Center Site, 2006 (©AP/WWP)

Six years after the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks in the United States, the world continues to witness the effects of terrorism. Significant security concerns remain in this post-September 11 world.  Despite the efforts of terrorists to disrupt peace, the resilience of people around the world has demonstrated that the human spirit will triumph over tragedy.  Reaching out to other religions and religious leaders has brought communities together since the September 11 attacks.

Since September 11, 2001, a spotlight has been shone on Arab Americans and Muslim Americans. See American Dreamers, a series of articles on Muslim Americans by Newsweek and Healing the Nation: The Arab American Experience After September 11, a report by the Arab American Institute. Please also see the September edition of the Newsletter for English Teachers for more information on Arab and Muslim Americans.