Twenty-five years ago this Friday, the United States suffered the greatest terrorist attack on US soil ever. 2,977 people died, and countless numbers have died after that day from illnesses caused by the fallout.
2,977 people – all on their way to do something normal or exciting for the day. We didn’t care then if they were citizens or not – they were all just innocently going about their business.
A 2-year-old girl on Flight 175 died with her parents on their way to Disneyland. An 85-year-old man on Flight 11 died alongside his wife on their way to her son’s wedding. Eight children died, including three 11-year-olds on Flight 77 taking a school trip. Three college students died on Flight 93.
The victims lived in New York, Washington, D.C., and 27 states. One financial services firm alone lost 658 employees. The U.S. Army lost 75 men and women. More than 400 first responders, including 60 law enforcement officers, were killed. Nearly 3,000 children lost a parent.
Never before, or thankfully since, has this country experienced such an overwhelming tragedy or loss of life on one day, other than during wartime. Never before, or sadly since, has this country come together in aid, friendship, sorrow or compassion regardless of race, religion, gender, sexual preference, educational background, immigration status or any of the other factors that are now dividing us.
All terrorist attacks on this country prior to and after 9/11 were carried out by home-grown white male Americans. The Oklahoma bombing of 1995, the Atlanta Olympics bombing of 1996, the Anthrax attacks of 2001 – all American terrorists. All mass shootings? Americans. Do I need to list them to remind everyone of how many have died at the hands of American terrorists?
But I digress.
On Friday, September 11, 2026, four living U.S. Presidents will attend the solemn ceremony at Ground Zero. Two of them are 80 years old, one is 83 with terminal cancer, one is 65. Yet all of them will be silently present to acknowledge the anniversary of this tragedy, to silently listen to the names of the fallen, to pay their respects to the families, the country and the site. Silently.
But the current 80-year-old President of the United States will not be there. He will not attend. He will not pay his respects. Because he doesn’t feel respect. Because it isn’t about him. Because he isn’t allowed to make a speech. Because his ego does not allow him to just do the right thing. For once. For the nation. Because his ego doesn’t allow him to unite, just divide. Instead, he may make comments at the Pentagon on 9/11. And, I am sure, he will post multiple AI memes about his great work in New York back in 2001 (most, if not all, will be false). Again, about him.
Shame on him, and shame on anyone who voted for him the second time, knowing what he is like. The country deserves better. The country deserves respect. I am thankful for the four living Presidents who will be attending. They represent us – the current President does not.