On this day 24 years ago, September 11, 2001, the United States endured one of the darkest moments in its history. A total of 19 Al-Qaeda terrorists, led by Osama bin Laden, hijacked four commercial planes in a coordinated attack against the nation.

Two planes struck the World Trade Center in New York City, another crashed into the Pentagon in Virginia, and a fourth — believed to be targeting either the U.S. Capitol or the White House — was brought down in Shanksville, Pennsylvania after passengers fought back.

The attacks killed 2,996 people and injured thousands more, leaving an indelible scar on the nation and the world.

In the years that followed, the United States and its allies launched the Global War on Terror, reshaping international security policies and global politics for decades.

As we honor the victims and their families, this anniversary serves as a solemn reminder of both the fragility of peace and the resilience of the American spirit. It is also a call to learn from history and remain vigilant against threats of terrorism worldwide.