The world was never the same after 9/11 but tyranny did not win that day
The tragic events of 9/11 would reshape the world forever. The terrorist atrocities on that fateful day in September would reverberate across the globe. From London to Kabul, from Madrid to Baghdad.
However, on that day it was the people of New York that were left shellshocked with grief. The Yorkshire Post’s Andrew Vine, John Woodcock and Bruce Rollinson were privileged enough to report the aftermath of the attacks.
Andrew Vine’s account in today’s newspaper encapsulates the horror that they witnessed. If ever a reminder was needed of the need to fight evil, then 9/11 is the most spine-chilling illustration.
For many ordinary people it may have led to added inconvenience. Restrictions and extra security checks in public places. Greater surveillance. The sacrifice of certain liberties.
And who can, of course, forget those that would go on to give their lives or suffer life changing in the subsequent war on terror.
But as the 25th anniversary of this tragic event approaches, it is worth reminding ourselves why the democratic world cannot allow itself to be cowed by those who seek to destroy the very values that underpin Western civilisation.
A quarter of a century on, it is evident that evil and tyranny did not win that day. It may not have been defeated and it may never be completely eradicated but the democratic world remains resolute. That is not to say that we should ever become complacent.
The late Queen Elizabeth II perhaps summed it up the best when she sent a message to the US in the aftermath of the tragedy, concluding with the words: “Grief is the price we pay for love.”
Love is what has helped the great city of New York heal.
Those left behind and their loved ones who died should be at the forefront of everyone’s minds.