America remembers: twenty-five years after 9/11 - Financial Times

As the twenty-fifth anniversary of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks approaches, the events continue to exert a profound influence on the landscape of American life. The legacy of that day remains embedded in the nation’s political climate, its history of military engagement, and the personal experiences of those who lost family members in the collapse of the World Trade Center.

For many, the impact is deeply personal and generational. Scott Larsen, who was four years old at the time of the attacks, was named after his father, a New York City firefighter who died during the disaster. His story serves as a reflection of the enduring loss felt by families who have lived the past quarter-century in the shadow of the tragedy.

Beyond individual grief, the broader consequences of the attacks have shaped the trajectory of the country over the last two and a half decades. The period has been defined by the political furies that emerged in the aftermath of the attacks, as well as the long-term effects of the wars initiated in response to the events.

These factors have collectively altered the social and political fabric of the United States. While time has passed, the collective memory of the attacks and the subsequent shifts in national policy and public sentiment remain central to the American experience today.