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9/11: US commemorates 20 years since the worst attacks in country’s history

George W Bush leads calls for unity in divided nation

Thomas Watkins
Thomas Watkins
Washington

September 11, 2021

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Americans commemorated the 20th anniversary of the September 11 terror attacks with solemn ceremonies to remember the lives lost and to call for a sense of national unity not seen since the aftermath of the deadliest strikes on US soil.

With a tolling bell, a service at Ground Zero in New York on Saturday started exactly two decades after American Airlines Flight 11 crashed into the North Tower of the World Trade Centre. It was the first of four planes Al Qaeda hijacked and used to kill 2,977 people.

Relatives of some of the victims read out the names of their loved ones as President Joe Biden and former presidents Barack Obama and Bill Clinton looked on.

“It felt like an evil spectre had descended on our world, but it was also a time when many people acted above and beyond the ordinary,” said Mike Low, whose daughter, Sara Low, was a flight attendant on that first plane.

In the weeks after 9/11, Americans came together in shock and mourning, and countries the world over rallied behind the US in solidarity.

But 20 years and two costly conflicts in Afghanistan and Iraq later, Americans are at war with themselves over any number of issues.

Whether it is mask-wearing and vaccinations to tackle Covid-19 or the very notion of democracy itself, the US public is more divided than at any other time in modern history.

“Following the 9/11 attacks, I was proud to lead an amazing, resilient, united people,” former president George W Bush said in a speech at the memorial in Shanksville, Pennsylvania, where a hijacked plane crashed.

Former president George W. Bush commemorating the 20th anniversary of the September 11, 2001 attacks at the Flight 93 National Memorial in Stoystown, Pennsylvania. Reuters
Former president George W. Bush commemorating the 20th anniversary of the September 11, 2001 attacks at the Flight 93 National Memorial in Stoystown, Pennsylvania. Reuters

“When it comes to the unity of America, those days seem distant from our own ... So much of our politics has become a naked appeal to anger, fear and resentment. That leaves us worried about our nation and our future together.”

He called on Americans to confront domestic extremists who destroy “national symbols”, a reference to the supporters of former president Donald Trump who desecrated the US Capitol in a deadly rampage on January 6 and tried to overturn the results of last year’s presidential elections.

“The dangers to our country can come not only across borders but from violence that gathers within,” Mr Bush said.

Mr Bush is remembered as rallying the nation in the days after 9/11, including famously giving a rousing speech through a megaphone at Ground Zero three days after the attacks.

But the fiasco of his war in Iraq has been blamed as a root cause for much of the division in the US today.

In a recorded address on Friday, Mr Biden said Americans must strive for common ground.

“In the days that followed September 11, 2001, we saw heroism everywhere, in places expected and unexpected. We also saw something all too rare: a true sense of national unity,” he said.

Mr Biden did not deliver remarks at any of the sites. After Saturday's ceremony in Shanksville, he said: "The core of who we are is not divided" during a visit to a fire station.

Mr Trump meanwhile released a video message slamming Mr Biden’s “inept administration” for its "incompetence” over the Afghanistan withdrawal.

The former president, who had been in New York, did not attend the main memorial service in Manhattan and was to later deliver ringside commentary at a boxing match at a casino in Hollywood, Florida.

Mr Clinton, who was president in the years leading up to 9/11, said: “America will never forget those who lost their lives, those who risked or gave their own lives to save others, and those whose lives were forever changed 20 years ago. We owe it to all of them to come together again with unity, hope, compassion and resolve.”

Retired Willow Springs, Illinois Chief of Police Sam Pulia and his nephew, Chicago Police Sgt Daniel Pulia, place flags at the South Tower ahead of ceremonies to mark the 20th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks. EPA
Retired Willow Springs, Illinois Chief of Police Sam Pulia and his nephew, Chicago Police Sgt Daniel Pulia, place flags at the South Tower ahead of ceremonies to mark the 20th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks. EPA
People visit the 9/11 memorial on the 20th anniversary of the September 11 attacks in Manhattan, New York. EPA
People visit the 9/11 memorial on the 20th anniversary of the September 11 attacks in Manhattan, New York. EPA
A woman places flowers on the 9/11 memorial. EPA
A woman places flowers on the 9/11 memorial. EPA
A man takes a moment to remember those who lost their lives in the attacks. EPA
A man takes a moment to remember those who lost their lives in the attacks. EPA
A woman places flowers at the South Tower ahead of ceremonies to mark the 20th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks. EPA
A woman places flowers at the South Tower ahead of ceremonies to mark the 20th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks. EPA
Claudia Castano speaks about her memory of her brother German who's name is etched at the Empty Sky 9/11 Memorial in Liberty State Park in Jersey City, New Jersey. AFP
Claudia Castano speaks about her memory of her brother German who's name is etched at the Empty Sky 9/11 Memorial in Liberty State Park in Jersey City, New Jersey. AFP
People mourn at the 9/11 Memorial on the 20th anniversary of the September 11 attacks in Manhattan, New York City, U. S. EPA
People mourn at the 9/11 Memorial on the 20th anniversary of the September 11 attacks in Manhattan, New York City, U. S. EPA
Members of the New York Police and Fire Department hold a flag for the national anthem during the annual 9/11 Commemoration Ceremony at the National 9/11 Memorial and Museum in New York City. AFP
Members of the New York Police and Fire Department hold a flag for the national anthem during the annual 9/11 Commemoration Ceremony at the National 9/11 Memorial and Museum in New York City. AFP
Kirsten Gillibrand arrives at a ceremony at Ground Zero held in commemoration of the 20th anniversary of the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center, the Pentagon and the crash of United Airlines Flight 93 in Shanksville, PA, held in lower Manhattan, New York City.
Kirsten Gillibrand arrives at a ceremony at Ground Zero held in commemoration of the 20th anniversary of the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center, the Pentagon and the crash of United Airlines Flight 93 in Shanksville, PA, held in lower Manhattan, New York City.
Police commissioner Dermot Shea arrives at a ceremony at Ground Zero held in commemoration of the 20th anniversary of the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center, the Pentagon and the crash of United Airlines Flight 93 in Shanksville, PA, held in lower Manhattan, New York. AFP
Police commissioner Dermot Shea arrives at a ceremony at Ground Zero held in commemoration of the 20th anniversary of the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center, the Pentagon and the crash of United Airlines Flight 93 in Shanksville, PA, held in lower Manhattan, New York. AFP
An American flag placed along with a photo of the Twin Towers and the name Daniel P. Trant, a Cantor Fitzgerald bond trader that died during 9/11, before ceremonies to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks at the National September 11 Memorial & Museum in New York. AP
An American flag placed along with a photo of the Twin Towers and the name Daniel P. Trant, a Cantor Fitzgerald bond trader that died during 9/11, before ceremonies to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks at the National September 11 Memorial & Museum in New York. AP
A 9. 11 Memorial staff member places a flag at the South Tower before ceremonies marking the 20th anniversary of the 9. 11 attack at the World Trade Center in New York which killed almost 3,000 people. EPA
A 9. 11 Memorial staff member places a flag at the South Tower before ceremonies marking the 20th anniversary of the 9. 11 attack at the World Trade Center in New York which killed almost 3,000 people. EPA
A U. S. flag is seen on the 9/11 Memorial on the 20th anniversary of the September 11 attacks in Manhattan, New York City, U. S. EPA
A U. S. flag is seen on the 9/11 Memorial on the 20th anniversary of the September 11 attacks in Manhattan, New York City, U. S. EPA
A NYPD Honor Guard marches in with a damaged American Flag at the South Tower before ceremonies marking the 20th anniversary of the 9. 11 attack at the World Trade Center in New York which killed almost 3,000 people. EPA
A NYPD Honor Guard marches in with a damaged American Flag at the South Tower before ceremonies marking the 20th anniversary of the 9. 11 attack at the World Trade Center in New York which killed almost 3,000 people. EPA
New York police and firefighters hold a US flag as a band plays the US National Anthem at the National 9/11 Memorial during a ceremony commemorating the 20th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks on the World Trade Center, in New York. AFP
New York police and firefighters hold a US flag as a band plays the US National Anthem at the National 9/11 Memorial during a ceremony commemorating the 20th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks on the World Trade Center, in New York. AFP
A 9. 11 Memorial staff member places a flag at the South Tower before ceremonies marking the 20th anniversary of the 9. 11 attack at the World Trade Center in New York which killed almost 3,000 people. AFP
A 9. 11 Memorial staff member places a flag at the South Tower before ceremonies marking the 20th anniversary of the 9. 11 attack at the World Trade Center in New York which killed almost 3,000 people. AFP
Flowers placed at the name of Frank Spinelli at the 9/11 memorial during a ceremony at Ground Zero held in commemoration of the 20th anniversary of the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center, the Pentagon and the crash of United Airlines Flight 93 in Shanksville, PA, held in lower Manhattan, New York City, NY, USA. EPA
Flowers placed at the name of Frank Spinelli at the 9/11 memorial during a ceremony at Ground Zero held in commemoration of the 20th anniversary of the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center, the Pentagon and the crash of United Airlines Flight 93 in Shanksville, PA, held in lower Manhattan, New York City, NY, USA. EPA
New York police and firefighters hold a US flag as a band plays the US National Anthem at the National 9/11 Memorial during a ceremony commemorating the 20th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks on the World Trade Center, in New York. AFP
New York police and firefighters hold a US flag as a band plays the US National Anthem at the National 9/11 Memorial during a ceremony commemorating the 20th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks on the World Trade Center, in New York. AFP
A man places American flags on the South Pool of the 9/11 Memorial during a ceremony marking the 20th anniversary of the 11 September 2001 terrorist attacks in New York, New York, USA,. EPA
A man places American flags on the South Pool of the 9/11 Memorial during a ceremony marking the 20th anniversary of the 11 September 2001 terrorist attacks in New York, New York, USA,. EPA
Family members sit on a bench that honors their loved one at the National 9/11 Pentagon Memorial opened in 2008, that commemorates the lives lost at the Pentagon and onboard American Airlines Flight 77, at the Pentagon in Washington. An American flag was unfurled at the Pentagon at sunrise on the morning of the 20th anniversary of the terrorist attacks and is draped over the site of impact at the Pentagon. AP
Family members sit on a bench that honors their loved one at the National 9/11 Pentagon Memorial opened in 2008, that commemorates the lives lost at the Pentagon and onboard American Airlines Flight 77, at the Pentagon in Washington. An American flag was unfurled at the Pentagon at sunrise on the morning of the 20th anniversary of the terrorist attacks and is draped over the site of impact at the Pentagon. AP
A rose lays on a bench at the National 9/11 Pentagon Memorial in Arlington, Virginia. The nation is marking the 20th anniversary of the terror attacks of September 11, 2001, when the terrorist group al-Qaeda flew hijacked airplanes into the World Trade Center, Shanksville, PA and the Pentagon, killing nearly 3,000 people. AFP
A rose lays on a bench at the National 9/11 Pentagon Memorial in Arlington, Virginia. The nation is marking the 20th anniversary of the terror attacks of September 11, 2001, when the terrorist group al-Qaeda flew hijacked airplanes into the World Trade Center, Shanksville, PA and the Pentagon, killing nearly 3,000 people. AFP
US Vice President Kamala Harris and her husband Doug Emhoff make their way to board a flight before departing from Andrews Air Force Base in Maryland . - Vice President Harris is heading to Shanksville, Pennsylvania to attend a 9/11 commemoration. AFP
US Vice President Kamala Harris and her husband Doug Emhoff make their way to board a flight before departing from Andrews Air Force Base in Maryland . - Vice President Harris is heading to Shanksville, Pennsylvania to attend a 9/11 commemoration. AFP
US Vice President Kamala Harris and her husband Doug Emhoff make their way to board a flight before departing from Andrews Air Force Base in Maryland. - Vice President Harris is heading to Shanksville, Pennsylvania to attend a 9/11 commemoration. AFP
US Vice President Kamala Harris and her husband Doug Emhoff make their way to board a flight before departing from Andrews Air Force Base in Maryland. - Vice President Harris is heading to Shanksville, Pennsylvania to attend a 9/11 commemoration. AFP
People attend a 9/11 commemoration ceremony at the Greek Orthodox St Nicholas National Shrine adjacent to the 9/11 Memorial and Museum in New York. AFP
People attend a 9/11 commemoration ceremony at the Greek Orthodox St Nicholas National Shrine adjacent to the 9/11 Memorial and Museum in New York. AFP
People walk among the flags of the commemorative installation 'Waves of Flags' on the eve of the 20th anniversary of 9/11 at the Pepperdine University in Malibu, California. EPA
People walk among the flags of the commemorative installation 'Waves of Flags' on the eve of the 20th anniversary of 9/11 at the Pepperdine University in Malibu, California. EPA
People sit in front of the 'Tribute in Light' installation in New York, commemorating the 9/11 terrorist attacks. AFP
People sit in front of the 'Tribute in Light' installation in New York, commemorating the 9/11 terrorist attacks. AFP
The annual 'Tribute in Light' marking the the 9/11 attacks on the World Trade Centre shines within lower Manhattan's skyline in New York. AFP
The annual 'Tribute in Light' marking the the 9/11 attacks on the World Trade Centre shines within lower Manhattan's skyline in New York. AFP
People hold candles in New York as they remember those who lost their lives in the attacks. AFP
People hold candles in New York as they remember those who lost their lives in the attacks. AFP
People watch the cast of the Broadway musical ‘Come From Away' perform a free concert in front of the Lincoln Memorial in Washington. AFP
People watch the cast of the Broadway musical ‘Come From Away' perform a free concert in front of the Lincoln Memorial in Washington. AFP
On the eve of the 20th anniversary of 9/11, the Friends of Flight 93 host the Luminaria Ceremony at Flight 93 National Memorial Plaza in Shanksville, Pennsylvania. EPA
On the eve of the 20th anniversary of 9/11, the Friends of Flight 93 host the Luminaria Ceremony at Flight 93 National Memorial Plaza in Shanksville, Pennsylvania. EPA
Sergeant Edwin Morales holds a photo of his cousin, Rubin Correa from Engine 74, by the Tribute in Light installation in New York. Reuters
Sergeant Edwin Morales holds a photo of his cousin, Rubin Correa from Engine 74, by the Tribute in Light installation in New York. Reuters
The Tribute in Light installation and World Trade Centre shine bright at night. Reuters
The Tribute in Light installation and World Trade Centre shine bright at night. Reuters
A candlelight memorial remembers the passengers and crew of United Flight 93 at the Flight 93 National Memorial in Shanksville. AP
A candlelight memorial remembers the passengers and crew of United Flight 93 at the Flight 93 National Memorial in Shanksville. AP
A flight attendant reads a card with flowers at the Wall of Names at the Flight 93 National Monument during the Luminaria Ceremony in Shanksville, Pennsylvania. AFP
A flight attendant reads a card with flowers at the Wall of Names at the Flight 93 National Monument during the Luminaria Ceremony in Shanksville, Pennsylvania. AFP
Finley, three, runs among the 'Waves of Flags' installation at the Pepperdine University in Malibu, California. EPA
Finley, three, runs among the 'Waves of Flags' installation at the Pepperdine University in Malibu, California. EPA

In addition to the people killed on 9/11, a similar number of first responders who helped clean up the toxic remnants of the attacks are thought to have died of cancer, lung disease and other health conditions stemming from their work in the weeks after the atrocity.

Ceremonies were held at the Pentagon, in Guantanamo Bay, where five men accused of assisting the 9/11 hijackers are still awaiting trial, and throughout the US.

In Britain, Queen Elizabeth II offered her “thoughts and prayers”.

“We also pay tribute to the resilience and determination of the communities who joined together to rebuild,” she said.

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What can victims do?

Always use only regulated platforms

Stop all transactions and communication on suspicion

Save all evidence (screenshots, chat logs, transaction IDs)

Report to local authorities

Warn others to prevent further harm

Courtesy: Crystal Intelligence

UAE jiu-jitsu squad

Men: Hamad Nawad and Khalid Al Balushi (56kg), Omar Al Fadhli and Saeed Al Mazroui (62kg), Taleb Al Kirbi and Humaid Al Kaabi (69kg), Mohammed Al Qubaisi and Saud Al Hammadi (70kg), Khalfan Belhol and Mohammad Haitham Radhi (85kg), Faisal Al Ketbi and Zayed Al Kaabi (94kg)

Women: Wadima Al Yafei and Mahra Al Hanaei (49kg), Bashayer Al Matrooshi and Hessa Al Shamsi (62kg)

New UK refugee system

 

  • A new “core protection” for refugees moving from permanent to a more basic, temporary protection
  • Shortened leave to remain - refugees will receive 30 months instead of five years
  • A longer path to settlement with no indefinite settled status until a refugee has spent 20 years in Britain
  • To encourage refugees to integrate the government will encourage them to out of the core protection route wherever possible.
  • Under core protection there will be no automatic right to family reunion
  • Refugees will have a reduced right to public funds
COMPANY%20PROFILE
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Profile

Company: Justmop.com

Date started: December 2015

Founders: Kerem Kuyucu and Cagatay Ozcan

Sector: Technology and home services

Based: Jumeirah Lake Towers, Dubai

Size: 55 employees and 100,000 cleaning requests a month

Funding:  The company’s investors include Collective Spark, Faith Capital Holding, Oak Capital, VentureFriends, and 500 Startups. 

The five pillars of Islam

1. Fasting 

2. Prayer 

3. Hajj 

4. Shahada 

5. Zakat 

The specs

Engine: 2.2-litre, turbodiesel

Transmission: 6-speed auto

Power: 160hp

Torque: 385Nm

Price: Dh116,900

On sale: now

RESULTS

6.30pm: Handicap (rated 100 ) US$175,000 1,200m
Winner: Baccarat, William Buick (jockey), Charlie Appleby (trainer)

7.05pm: Handicap (78-94) $60,000 1,800m
Winner: Baroot, Christophe Soumillon, Mike de Kock

7.40pm: Firebreak Stakes Group 3 $200,000 1,600m
Winner: Heavy Metal, Mickael Barzalona, Salem bin Ghadayer

8.15pm: Handicap (95-108) $125,000 1,200m
Winner: Yalta, Mickael Barzalona, Salem bin Ghadayer

8.50pm: Balanchine Group 2 $200,000 1,800m
Winner: Promising Run, Pat Cosgrave, Saeed bin Suroor

9.25pm: Handicap (95-105) $125,000 1,800m
Winner: Blair House, James Doyle, Charlie Appleby

10pm: Handicap (95-105) $125,000 1,400m
Winner: Oh This Is Us, Tom Marquand, Richard Hannon

The%20specs
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Australia squads

ODI: Tim Paine (capt), Aaron Finch (vice-capt), Ashton Agar, Alex Carey, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Nathan Lyon, Glenn Maxwell, Shaun Marsh, Jhye Richardson, Kane Richardson, D’Arcy Short, Billy Stanlake, Marcus Stoinis, Andrew Tye.

T20: Aaron Finch (capt), Alex Carey (vice-capt), Ashton Agar, Travis Head, Nic Maddinson, Glenn Maxwell, Jhye Richardson, Kane Richardson, D’Arcy Short, Billy Stanlake, Marcus Stoinis, Mitchell Swepson, Andrew Tye, Jack Wildermuth.

COMPANY PROFILE
Name: Kumulus Water
 
Started: 2021
 
Founders: Iheb Triki and Mohamed Ali Abid
 
Based: Tunisia 
 
Sector: Water technology 
 
Number of staff: 22 
 
Investment raised: $4 million 
The Buckingham Murders

Starring: Kareena Kapoor Khan, Ash Tandon, Prabhleen Sandhu

Director: Hansal Mehta

Rating: 4 / 5

How to wear a kandura

Dos

  • Wear the right fabric for the right season and occasion 
  • Always ask for the dress code if you don’t know
  • Wear a white kandura, white ghutra / shemagh (headwear) and black shoes for work 
  • Wear 100 per cent cotton under the kandura as most fabrics are polyester

Don’ts 

  • Wear hamdania for work, always wear a ghutra and agal 
  • Buy a kandura only based on how it feels; ask questions about the fabric and understand what you are buying
On Women's Day
Kareem Shaheen on Canada
LEADERBOARD
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On Women's Day

The Beach Bum

Director: Harmony Korine

Stars: Matthew McConaughey, Isla Fisher, Snoop Dogg

Two stars

Plastic tipping points
Terror attacks in Paris, November 13, 2015

- At 9.16pm, three suicide attackers killed one person outside the Atade de France during a foootball match between France and Germany- At 9.25pm, three attackers opened fire on restaurants and cafes over 20 minutes, killing 39 people- Shortly after 9.40pm, three other attackers launched a three-hour raid on the Bataclan, in which 1,500 people had gathered to watch a rock concert. In total, 90 people were killed- Salah Abdeslam, the only survivor of the terrorists, did not directly participate in the attacks, thought to be due to a technical glitch in his suicide vest- He fled to Belgium and was involved in attacks on Brussels in March 2016. He is serving a life sentence in France

While you're here
Representing%20UAE%20overseas
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UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Key facilities
  • Olympic-size swimming pool with a split bulkhead for multi-use configurations, including water polo and 50m/25m training lanes
  • Premier League-standard football pitch
  • 400m Olympic running track
  • NBA-spec basketball court with auditorium
  • 600-seat auditorium
  • Spaces for historical and cultural exploration
  • An elevated football field that doubles as a helipad
  • Specialist robotics and science laboratories
  • AR and VR-enabled learning centres
  • Disruption Lab and Research Centre for developing entrepreneurial skills
Updated: September 12, 2021, 3:57 AM
September 11 AttacksUS