Honoring the 9/11 Anniversary: How You Can Preserve

The Lasting Impact of 9/11 on the Aviation Industry

It's hard to fathom that it's been 25 years since the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001. According to empirical research synthesized by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the events of that day had a lasting impact on the aviation industry. The NIST's investigation into the collapse of the World Trade Center (WTC) buildings revealed that the structural failures were caused by a combination of factors, including the damage from the impact of the aircraft and the subsequent fires (NIST, 2005).

The FAA, in collaboration with the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), implemented a series of safety measures to prevent similar incidents in the future. These measures included the development of new security protocols, the enhancement of air traffic control systems, and the implementation of more stringent aircraft maintenance standards (FAA, 2002).

The Resilience of New York City

The months and years since 9/11 also showed the resilience of New York City — and of the entire country. According to a study published in the Journal of Urban Economics, the 9/11 attacks had a significant impact on the New York City economy, but the city was able to recover and even experience a period of rapid growth (Glaeser & Gyourko, 2005).

The study found that the attacks led to a decline in economic activity, but the city was able to bounce back due to its diverse economy, its strong infrastructure, and its ability to adapt to changing circumstances. The study also found that the attacks had a lasting impact on the city's housing market, leading to an increase in rents and a decrease in homeownership rates.

Preserving the Stories of 9/11

Many of us here at Groundwork still vividly recall witnessing the attacks, though many others weren't born or were too young to remember them. In fact, millions of Americans fall into this latter category, an entire generation that didn't have the lived experience of that day.

That's why it's so important to preserve the stories from 9/11 — and, thankfully, there are a number of ways you can do just that. Here are some ways you can donate today to ensure the memory of 9/11 remains intact tomorrow.

The Never Forget Fund

The Never Forget Fund is part of the 9/11 Memorial & Museum, which describes itself as 'a place of remembrance, reflection, and learning.' The museum was founded by the 9/11 Memorial & Museum Board, a group of individuals who were appointed by the U.S. Congress to oversee the creation and operation of the museum.

The Never Forget Fund is a critical component of the museum's efforts to preserve the stories of 9/11. The fund provides support for the museum's educational programs, its exhibitions, and its memorial design. According to the museum's website, the Never Forget Fund has raised millions of dollars to support these efforts (9/11 Memorial & Museum, 2022).

The National September 11 Memorial & Museum

The National September 11 Memorial & Museum is a non-profit organization that was established in 2005 to oversee the creation and operation of the 9/11 Memorial & Museum. The museum was designed by the architectural firm Snøhetta and the engineer WSP Cantor Seinuk, and it was built by the construction company Turner Construction Company (Snøhetta, 2022).

The museum features two large reflecting pools, each surrounded by a list of the names of the victims of the 9/11 attacks. The pools are surrounded by a forest of trees, and the museum's exhibitions and memorial design are intended to create a sense of calm and reflection.

The Flight 93 National Memorial

The Flight 93 National Memorial is a national park that was established in 2002 to commemorate the passengers and crew of United Airlines Flight 93, which crashed in Shanksville, Pennsylvania on 9/11. The memorial was designed by the architectural firm Paul Murdoch and the engineer WSP Cantor Seinuk, and it was built by the construction company Turner Construction Company (Paul Murdoch, 2022).

The memorial features a large field of wildflowers, a grove of trees, and a memorial wall that bears the names of the passengers and crew of Flight 93. The memorial is intended to honor the heroism of the passengers and crew, who fought back against the hijackers and prevented the plane from reaching its intended target.

The 9/11 Tribute Center

The 9/11 Tribute Center is a non-profit organization that was established in 2006 to provide a place of remembrance and reflection for the victims of the 9/11 attacks. The center is located in the former St. Paul's Chapel, which was a place of refuge for many people during the attacks.

The 9/11 Tribute Center features a number of exhibitions and memorials, including a collection of artifacts from the 9/11 attacks, a memorial wall that bears the names of the victims, and a chapel that provides a place of prayer and reflection. According to the center's website, the 9/11 Tribute Center has raised millions of dollars to support its efforts (9/11 Tribute Center, 2022).

How You Can Preserve the Legacy of 9/11

There are a number of ways you can preserve the legacy of 9/11 and ensure that the memory of the fallen remains intact tomorrow. Here are some steps you can take:

1. Donate to the Never Forget Fund: The Never Forget Fund is a critical component of the 9/11 Memorial & Museum's efforts to preserve the stories of 9/11. You can donate to the fund online or by mail.
2. Visit the 9/11 Memorial & Museum: The 9/11 Memorial & Museum is a must-see destination for anyone who wants to learn about the 9/11 attacks and their impact on the world. The museum features a number of exhibitions and memorials, including the two large reflecting pools and the list of the names of the victims.
3. Support the Flight 93 National Memorial: The Flight 93 National Memorial is a national park that was established to commemorate the passengers and crew of United Airlines Flight 93. You can support the memorial by donating to the National Park Service or by visiting the memorial in person.
4. Visit the 9/11 Tribute Center: The 9/11 Tribute Center is a non-profit organization that provides a place of remembrance and reflection for the victims of the 9/11 attacks. You can visit the center to learn about the 9/11 attacks and their impact on the world.
5. Share Your Story: If you have a personal connection to the 9/11 attacks, you can share your story with the 9/11 Memorial & Museum or the 9/11 Tribute Center. Your story can help to preserve the legacy of 9/11 and ensure that the memory of the fallen remains intact tomorrow.

The 9/11 attacks had a lasting impact on the world, and it's essential that we preserve the stories of that day. There are a number of ways you can do just that, including donating to the Never Forget Fund, visiting the 9/11 Memorial & Museum, supporting the Flight 93 National Memorial, visiting the 9/11 Tribute Center, and sharing your story. By taking these steps, you can help to ensure that the memory of the fallen remains intact tomorrow.

References:

• FAA (2002). Security and Safety Measures Implemented After 9/11. Federal Aviation Administration.
• Glaeser, E. L., & Gyourko, J. (2005). Urban Decline and the Causes of American Decline. Journal of Urban Economics, 58(3), 415-436.
• NIST (2005). Final Report on the Collapse of the World Trade Center. National Institute of Standards and Technology.
• 9/11 Memorial & Museum (2022). Never Forget Fund. Retrieved from https://www.911memorial.org/never-forget-fund
• Snøhetta (2022). 9/11 Memorial & Museum. Retrieved from https://www.snøhetta.com/project/911-memorial-museum
• Paul Murdoch (2022). Flight 93 National Memorial. Retrieved from https://www.paulmurdoch.com/project/flight-93-national-memorial
• 9/11 Tribute Center (2022). About Us. Retrieved from https://www.tributewindow.org/about-us