On the fateful day of September 11th, 2001, the security of our proud nation was rocked to its foundation. The aftereffects of 9/11 are still being felt to this day and have prompted changes at airport custom checks. For some September 11th is a vivid memory, but others a piece of history.
When two planes were hijacked and subsequently crashed into the twin towers, it sent Americans into a state of disbelief and shock. After all, this extent of terrorism had not been displayed at the time. So, naturally, drastic measures were taken to lessen the possibility of this ever happening again.
President at the time, George W. Bush, launched a wide-ranging war on terrorism. But their first mission lied in Afghanistan where they would dismantle Al Queda, destroy the Taliban, and kill Osama Bin laden, the man responsible for orchestrating the attack on 9/11.
The War against terrorism stretched out for years as American troops resolved to dissolve various terrorist groups and rogue regimes. Unfortunately, thousands of troops were killed over the span of two decades and those who did returned with both physical and psychological wounds. The relentless shadow of 9/11 loomed over US troops, compelling them to stay in Afghanistan and other places.
9/11 also had extreme effects on airport travel. Preceding September 11th, you could pass through security with your shoes on and with no ID, in contrast lines today where people can wait up to an hour or longer. The Hijacker’s exploited this liability and passed through customs without any trouble. To ensure that a terrorist never waltzed into an airport, security experts resolved to intensify security measures and make the necessary changes in the airport.
The terrorist attack was intended to devastate and cause grief to every American who calls the United States their home, however the detriment could have been much worse, if not for civilians overpowering hijackers and crashing the plane into a field meant for the pentagon; and New York law enforcement and Fire department who heroically put their lives on the line to save countless lives from the toppling twin towers.
The tragedy of 9/11 will forever be a part of our Nation’s history and it has affected each American, but necessary changes have made to our airports to ensure that an event like this never reoccurs.
