The 20th anniversary of Sept 11 is sure to bring up a lot of memories and emotions. What has changed and what have we learned?

Cpl Tim Callahan — Fri, 10 Sep 2021 12:43:14 -0400

My father, WWII combat Army medic, was a pipefitter on the twin towers. I will always remember going to work with him one day as a kid. After the USMC, I went to business meetings of my own there. I thought they would be around forever.

Response by Lt Col Charlie Brown made Sep 10 at 2021 12:51 PM

Lt Col Charlie Brown — Fri, 10 Sep 2021 12:51:37 -0400

I grew up in New York and I lost two friends in the collapse of the World Trade Center. And I was in the Pentagon that morning... grateful to still be here

Response by SPC Kevin Ford made Sep 10 at 2021 12:57 PM

SPC Kevin Ford — Fri, 10 Sep 2021 12:57:32 -0400

My wife was a corporate travel agent at the time and one of her normal customers was on one of the planes. She always says that she is thankful that she wasn't the one who booked that ticket for him.

Response by Lt Col Jim Coe made Sep 10 at 2021 1:19 PM

Lt Col Jim Coe — Fri, 10 Sep 2021 13:19:25 -0400

I was at Scott AFB on 9/11/01. The base was locked down by late afternoon. After that security inbound and outbound was very tight for many months. The DoD redesigned the entry gates at most facilities after 9/11. Today every driver, and sometimes every person, is ID checked coming into Scott. What changed was the physical security and an automated database supporting the Force Protection personnel at the gate. All seems appropriate.

I think we (the US) learned that we were susceptible to well planned terrorist attacks. There had been attacks on the World Trade Center before 9/11, but they weren't taken as seriously as they should have been. Our military installations had less physical and electronic security at entry points. We beefed up those security points. I worked in a secure building with card swipe and PIN required for entry. Security observation, first in person, and later by camera were added. In short the DoD added security for facilities and people where they could. We learned.

As a nation we didn't learn enough or we forgot many of the lessons we might have learned for 9/11 and especially form "9/12." We were all effected by the attacks on 9/11, but the emotion and actions on 9/12 held the most valuable lessons. The tragedy on 9/11/01 turned into resolve and determination by 9/12/01. People were angry, but at the terrorists. People shed many of the divisions and banded together as Americans. US Flags sold out at retail stores. Flags flew on many homes and businesses. People wanted to bring the terrorists to justice.

Government reacted in predictable ways. Agencies were reorganized and new entities were created. The Department of Homeland Security was created to bring together diverse agencies from other departments, for example the Coast Guard from Transportation. The TSA was invented and put into action. USNORTHCOM was assigned as the DoD component to DHS. Money was spent to harden Government facilities. Training programs were put in place to teach Government employees how to deal with travel, terrorists, active shooter, and other threats. Finally, the DoD invaded Afghanistan in hopes of capturing or killing the terrorists who planned the attach--the rest is history.

Response by Cpl Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 10 at 2021 1:24 PM

Cpl Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 10 Sep 2021 13:24:44 -0400

I was in Philadelphia on that morning. I had fallen asleep in the hotel and woke up to watch the second plane fly into the second tower. The trainer assigned to my install was in the air flying in from FL, her flight was diverted to SC. Driving to the work site was surreal, the streets of City Center were empty. A lot has changed and not in a good way. What I've learned is that career politicians and bureaucrats are not benevolent.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 10 at 2021 1:42 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 10 Sep 2021 13:42:35 -0400

This is a good question. I think we learned a continuation of the lessons we saw in Vietnam: Warfare is changing, and while an "us-versus-them" mentality is espoused still (as indeed, that is the very heart of war), things aren't as cut-and-dry in that regard as they were in World War II and other previous engagements.

Response by Cpl Mark A. Morris made Sep 10 at 2021 5:02 PM

Cpl Mark A. Morris — Fri, 10 Sep 2021 17:02:45 -0400

It appears, the information from the 9/11 commission verifies the flight school info on some of the warriors for Su’en wanted to learn how to fly jets and not too concerned with landing. Where was the FBI Leadership on this info? Sitting on it?
This event was Islamic terrorism and it appears many at the King Farouk Mosque supported the attack as fitting for the country they lived in.
I wonder who has come through the wide open US southern border these last 8 months?
Don’t worry, I’m off to complete some online compassion and sensitivity training modules.

Response by MSgt Steven Holt, NRP, CCEMT-P made Sep 11 at 2021 9:04 AM

MSgt Steven Holt, NRP, CCEMT-P — Sat, 11 Sep 2021 09:04:31 -0400

One thing has become abundantly clear...the American people have a woefully short attention span. We've also learned career politicians are NOT looking out for the Nation's best interests unless it happens to personally benefit themselves.

Response by John Holden made Sep 11 at 2021 11:10 AM

John Holden — Sat, 11 Sep 2021 11:10:22 -0400

God bless America. Here in the UK, we share your thoughts and prayers at your losses from 9/11.

Response by MSG Richard Raubenstine made Sep 11 at 2021 11:41 AM

MSG Richard Raubenstine — Sat, 11 Sep 2021 11:41:56 -0400

Some people do not learn. They did not learn or remember that every 100 years a epidemic of some kind effects the world. The beginning of each 100 years since the beginning of time has a major pandemic. With each new virus, it will continue to get stronger and stronger. They forgot about that. The next is they forgot about who control the economy, wealth, and power. It is always the country that makes the products. We had been the leaders but that is fading fast as China continues to monopolize on all products or resources the world uses. We will have to bend or pay whatever they demand.
Another thing has become apparent. The political party that is in the White is not a Democratic party. There actions recently are more like a Dictatorship or since Biden has been in bed with the Chinese a Communistic government. I would not be surprised to see them implement further actions that the general population will have no control on.

Response by SrA Ronald Moore made Sep 11 at 2021 11:49 AM

SrA Ronald Moore — Sat, 11 Sep 2021 11:49:36 -0400

I recall receiving a letter from family telling me how they watched people Jumping out of the windows to keep from being burned up, I will Never Forget, instead Today on this day, I barely made it out of the bed only to go back to bed , And connected with R P for a while, after I awoke twice , Thanks for sharing also .

Response by Sgt William Pilgrim Jr. made Sep 11 at 2021 11:55 AM

Sgt William Pilgrim Jr. — Sat, 11 Sep 2021 11:55:47 -0400

Keep politics out of a war and let the Military do there job...They started the fight.

Response by PO2 Scott Odell made Sep 11 at 2021 11:57 AM

PO2 Scott Odell — Sat, 11 Sep 2021 11:57:39 -0400

After the 9/11 attack, the nation was the brotherhood and sisterhood of Americans, no matter what color or political persuasion. We were united against our enemies. Fast forward 20 years and we have surrendered to the Taliban and left Afghanistan in disgrace, plus we have surrendered our country to the marxists and criminals. Not really a stellar 20 years that we should be proud of. I'm ashamed to face those murdered in the attack and have to answer why we who survived the attack let it come to this.

Response by SPC Leslie Weber made Sep 11 at 2021 12:04 PM

SPC Leslie Weber — Sat, 11 Sep 2021 12:04:08 -0400

I was on leave with my ex husband. We were only 3 1/2 hours from our duty post. His mom called and said we were under attack. We looked at each other and said we’re going to war. By 2002 I had started my first deployment. It’s saddening to see Afghanistan fall to the taliban the way it did. It just so different..

Response by Cpl Richard Deering made Sep 11 at 2021 12:07 PM

Cpl Richard Deering — Sat, 11 Sep 2021 12:07:39 -0400

I was 52 years old and in business for myself, was discharged USMC Vet and called the Marine Corps to re up , they told me to do some community work , which I did but I really would have reupped if they wanted to take me !

Response by PFC Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 11 at 2021 12:10 PM

PFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 11 Sep 2021 12:10:55 -0400

It sounds odd reading these post, but I was Six years old when the attack happened. I watched the plane hit the second tower. Nobody thought the impact that would have on a Six year old. I was living in my Hometown in Upstate NY, Six or so hours from the city.

As for Lessons learned we have learned things. Any new experience, any new event is a lesson to be taught. The attack showed us the flaw in American Pride, we were touchable, we could be hit at home. We learned that we needed to increase security on the home front and over seas. We learned Americans can put their differences aside and unite as a single country. Yes we still have to continue to grow and learn but as long as we do that, as long as we try and learn from what happened and grow from it; we can be better.

History is made of lessons and mistakes we have made as species. Its only from learning from those mistakes we can be better. We allowed our hubris to get the best of us. We said it won't happen again, but they hit the trade center not once but twice. After the bombings in the parking garage we should have known. We did nothing because the idealism that we can't be hurt, we can't be hit. It is sad that it takes a major tragedy to really effect change. We have learned from it; proactive not reactive.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 11 at 2021 12:33 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 11 Sep 2021 12:33:23 -0400

We learned that 9/11 was an inside job. Those three controlled demolitions (yes three towers came down) served to launch into over 20 yrs of bankster (note how it rhymes with gangster) wars for control of oil, opium and territory. What has changed is that our freedoms have eroded almost beyond comprehension. And we were duped into providing the military muscle to make it all happen. Won’t get fooled again.

Response by LCDR Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 11 at 2021 12:41 PM

LCDR Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 11 Sep 2021 12:41:36 -0400

Watching those images that remind us all, I wanted to share my personal story about that day twenty years ago. I was moved to hear how the passengers prevented the plane from reaching its intended target by forcing it to crash in Stonycreek Township in Somerset County, Pennsylvania. They too had all been part of a fight where we took the best America could muster and bring a full-spectrum of America’s might to stop global terrorism. There can be no world peace unless we are prepared to defend our own shores, uphold those that believe in freedom, and fight for justice.

On September 11, 2001, I watched those twin towers collapse in New York, and read reports that an aircraft had just crashed into the Pentagon, I wondered if we would be next. Still on active duty serving in an operational assignment, I directed the repair work assigned for naval ships and submarines as a Submarine Repair Officer, with a diverse team of hull, machinery, electrical, and electronic repair technicians, 75 uniform and civilian personnel in all, we improved the Navy 's readiness to ensure that operational forces were ready to take the fight to the enemy.

The Los Angeles-class fast-attack submarine USS Jefferson City was in a dry-dock repair availability. Being situated near the mouth of San Diego Bay to allow access to the ship’s sensors and weapons systems, we had used a floating dry-dock to lift the 7,000 ton submarine completely out of the water, with its pressurized water reactor and everything else inside. The ship’s stern was completely exposed to any traffic that passed in and out of San Diego’s usually peaceful harbor. Many of her torpedo-tube launcher systems used for launching Tomahawk cruise missiles from those tubes were under repair. The repairs, when completed, would restore those weapons systems to full capability for her next deployment.

On that day, it seemed like everything had changed in that instant. Managing the submarine repair availabilities keeping capabilities ready to be used by the submarine crews to complete their assigned missions within our capacity. The Submarine Commodore concerned about security asked “Should we close up the submarine and flood the dry dock.” No, it was decided after we considered the options, we all wanted that ship to go to sea with weapons ready to protect the nation or take our fight around the globe to this unseen enemy who hid in the safety mountains of Afghanistan while planning his next move. All of us were continuously challenged to balance physical security with the need to prepare for the war that we knew would soon come. Ships and submarines could launch precision strikes against those who threatened our shores. I would become very familiar with the impact we had on their training, operations, and readiness exercises being conducted in the Navy’s Third Fleet to prepare them for that war.

Response by Cpl David Goodale made Sep 11 at 2021 2:43 PM

Cpl David Goodale — Sat, 11 Sep 2021 14:43:28 -0400

Based on the cluster f---- of Afghanistan the present administration hasnt learned a thing. The 9/11 terorists were Muslim fanatics and they are still practicing their religeon. We dont condem all Muslims but dont pretend religeous fanatics dont exist.

Response by Sgt Peter Carruth made Sep 11 at 2021 9:25 PM

Sgt Peter Carruth — Sat, 11 Sep 2021 21:25:23 -0400

There is only one thing to know: The Biden Administration are Traitors and what they did this month is 100% Treasonous. The Irony of #NeverFoget: The people who flew the planes into the towers were just given the most sophisticated military assets on the planet as a 20 Year Anniversary gift while 100s of Americans (perhaps thousands) were left behind and Allies and Terps were left for slauter.

Response by Dawn Callahan made Sep 12 at 2021 8:34 AM

Dawn Callahan — Sun, 12 Sep 2021 08:34:03 -0400

Being a flight attendant for one of the two airlines used for the mass murders and terrorism on our country, aviation has changed tremendously when it comes to security. There are things I can’t post, but my job has changed in the way we perceive the work environment and passenger encounters. Heightened awareness is a small part. The naïve innocence of the friendly skies are a thing of the past, we are constantly assessing our surroundings on every flight, everyday for the past 20 years. And that level of intense observation causes us to think about 9/11 everyday, the events from that day never leave crewmembers. Personally, my friends were working on one of the jets, and I continue to grieve, it’s s painful reminder to see their faces each time I go to work.

Response by 2LT Earl Dean made Sep 17 at 2021 5:13 PM

2LT Earl Dean — Fri, 17 Sep 2021 17:13:45 -0400

that horrible day I went home and packed all my military stuff up to be called on. I was upset that they took so long to go after those that did that.

Response by 2LT Earl Dean made Sep 17 at 2021 5:15 PM

2LT Earl Dean — Fri, 17 Sep 2021 17:15:46 -0400

I remember that horrible day I went home and packed my ruck and was ready to be called. To bad it took so long before we went after those that did it.

Response by Lt Col Mark DeVore made Sep 18 at 2021 9:20 AM

Lt Col Mark DeVore — Sat, 18 Sep 2021 09:20:05 -0400

I first joined the military in the 80s. Though I was not a Vietnam veteran, many of my friends and colleagues were. The overwhelming mantra throughout EVERY part of the U.S. military was “never again”. Well, if you look at Afghanistan now, it’s sickening. Political leadership doesn’t seem to learn many lessons, but the military brass should. Or they should resign in protest. “Never leave anyone behind”. Don’t we see that on every POW/MIA flag? Disgusted.