9/11 25th anniversary: Condoleezza Rice regrets failure to prevent attacks, cites ‘trauma’ US suffered | Today’s news
Americans are commemorating the 25th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks, reflecting on the shock, the lives lost and the far-reaching impact of al-Qaeda’s attacks on key symbols of American power and prosperity.
Condoleezza Rice, who served as White House national security adviser on the day of the 9/11 attacks, said during a ceremony at the Pentagon that she continues to feel deep pain that those in positions of authority failed to recognize the threat in time to prevent the attacks.
Rice also expressed lasting personal regret for the suffering experienced by the families of those killed and the trauma the country experienced in the wake of the attacks.
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On September 11, 2001, 19 al-Qaeda terrorists hijacked four commercial airliners, crashing two into the World Trade Center towers, one into the Pentagon, and the fourth into a field near Shanksville, Pennsylvania, resulting in nearly 3,000 deaths.
The 9/11 attacks led to significant policy changes, including the establishment of the War on Terror, increased presidential powers, and extensive surveillance measures that changed the balance between security and civil liberties.
Condoleezza Rice expressed deep regret for the authorities’ failure to recognize the threat of the attacks in time, as well as the suffering of the victims’ families and the national trauma that followed.
Commemorations for the 9/11 anniversary include wreath-laying ceremonies, moments of silence, vigils, flag-raising and readings of the victims’ names, along with various voluntary memorial initiatives.
On September 11, 2001, a total of 343 firefighters from the New York City Fire Department died in the attack.
“Those of us in power that day did not see the nature of the danger in time to prevent the attack of 9/11. I will always have a deep personal regret for the pain you, the families of the fallen, still feel and the trauma our country has suffered,” Rice said, according to the AP.
US marks 25 years since 9/11 with ceremonies, vigils and readings of victims’ names
Friday’s 25th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks will be marked by memorial services across the United States, including wreath-laying events, flag-raising events, moments of silence, vigils and readings of the victims’ names. Volunteer initiatives will also be held to commemorate the attacks, which according to a new Ipsos survey, around half of US adults consider the most significant historical event of their lives.
Read also | The broken world left behind by 9/11 lives on—but American institutions could recover
For many others, the anniversary will be a time for personal reflection as schools use the opportunity to educate students about the attacks.
Read also | What the terrorist attacks of September 11 meant for the beginning of the 21st century
Commemorations are planned across the country, including a beam of light from Mount Washington in New Hampshire, a stair climb at Mississippi State University’s football stadium and a ceremony at the 9/11 memorial in Honolulu.
What happened on 9/11?
On September 11, 2001, 19 al-Qaeda-linked terrorists hijacked four commercial airliners in a coordinated attack targeting the United States.
The attackers deliberately flew two planes, American Airlines Flight 11 and United Airlines Flight 175, into the North and South Towers of the World Trade Center complex in New York. Both 110-story skyscrapers collapsed shortly thereafter, devastating Lower Manhattan.
A third plane, American Airlines Flight 77, crashed into the Pentagon in Arlington, Virginia. A fourth plane, United Airlines Flight 93, crashed into a field near Shanksville, Pennsylvania.
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How many people died in the 9/11 attacks?
The 9/11 attacks took place in a single morning, killing nearly 3,000 people and leaving a lasting impact that included personal grief and wars fought far from the attack sites.
How many firefighters died on 9/11?
A total of 343 New York City Fire Department (FDNY) firefighters died on September 11, 2001.
How many people survived 9/11?
An estimated 14,000 to 15,000 people safely evacuated the World Trade Center towers during the 9/11 attacks.
Trump and Vance will attend 9/11 anniversary events at the Pentagon in New York
Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump will mark the 25th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks on Friday by attending a ceremony at the Pentagon to honor those who lost their lives.
Vice President JD Vance is expected to attend the anniversary celebration in New York along with former presidents, while other members of the administration will attend the ceremony in Shanksville, Pennsylvania.
Vance had planned to attend a New York ceremony on last year’s anniversary, but instead traveled to Salt Lake City to be with the family of conservative activist Charlie Kirk after his assassination.
