It's amazing how the worst attack on our country's land has faded in so many circles after 18 years
Prayers and thoughts to all those who lost loved ones on that awful day
Yeah but it changed our way of life perhaps forever. Can't get to the airport last minute (not to mention the restrictions on what you can take on board), TSA is practically a small army, our police forces are now militarized, metal detectors everywhere, increased surveillance of phone calls, emails etc.., bank accounts and transactions monitored, immigration restrictions (i.e. VISA/Passport issuance), All Muslims are now considered bad people and in some people create heightened anxiety when in their presence, touring public places is now subject to personal inspection, (even movie theaters/stadiums/concert venues they inspect pockebooks), street cameras are everywhere able to track every movement we make, etc. Not paranoia but reality.
I worked downtown in NYC for 20 years and left a year before the attack. Was shocked when I went into Grand Central Station a year or so after the attack and saw our military patrolling the Station with machine guns at the ready.
Just saying the freedoms many of us experienced prior to 911 are now history. Sure we've adjusted, but only because we were forced to. Not trying to sound selfish, but as an older American (pre-911), its one of the reasons why I'll never forget. I knew people who died and who lost loved ones.
Lastly I bet practically every American knows not only where they were when the attacks happened but what they were doing at the time (and who they were with). Not sure how many other eventful days in our life where we can essentially 'feel' the moment again. That alone indicates the magnitude of that very day.