September 11, 2025, marks the commemoration of the September 11 attacks, a series of four coordinated terrorist attacks by the militant Islamist terrorist group al-Qaeda against the United States on September 11, 2001. In the United States, this day is officially designated as Patriot Day, a national day of remembrance. The verb "memperingati" (to commemorate) is central to the date's significance, as it involves a conscious act of remembering and honoring the victims, first responders, and volunteers who were affected by the events.
The commemoration specifically recalls the attacks in which two hijacked airplanes crashed into the North and South Towers of the World Trade Center complex in New York City, a third plane struck the Pentagon in Arlington, Virginia, and a fourth plane, initially targeting Washington, D.C., crashed in a field in Shanksville, Pennsylvania, following a passenger revolt. These events resulted in 2,977 fatalities, making it the single deadliest terrorist attack in human history. Observances on this day typically include moments of silence corresponding to the times of the attacks, the reading of victims' names at the World Trade Center site, memorial services across the nation, and the "Tribute in Light" art installation in New York City.
Therefore, the function of September 11 is not a celebratory holiday but a solemn day of reflection on loss, heroism, and the profound impact the attacks had on the United States and global affairs. The commemoration serves as an enduring reminder of the vulnerability to terrorism and has fundamentally reshaped national security policies, international relations, and air travel protocols worldwide. For many, it is a day to reflect on the consequences of extremism and to reaffirm commitments to peace and security.
