While family members of 9/11 victims pleaded for accountability during this year’s commemoration, the political spin that appears to be increasingly tied to this solemn anniversary was on full display. Most notably, current President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris, alongside former President Donald Trump, engaged in their own politicking despite the backdrop of the tragic events of September 11, 2001. Strangely enough, the three of them, including Biden – the individual Trump refused to recognize as his successor, found themselves standing side by side at ground zero on this pivotal day.
The sight of Biden and Trump shaking hands, assisted by former New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg, proved to be nothing more than a hollow charade of unity given the tense political climate. Also in attendance was Trump’s running mate, Sen. JD Vance. This synchronized act of decorum was littered with subtle jabs, power plays, and an innate refusal to let go of partisan loyalties even on a day meant to honor the memory of the nearly 3,000 lives lost to the blatant acts of terrorism.
Historically, politicians have respectfully remained silent observers during the ground zero ceremonies, allowing the victims’ families to be the true focal point. However, this year proved to be vastly different as many attendees used the platform to voice political comments and demands, predominantly directed at present politicians, Harris and Trump.
Allison Walsh-DiMarzio, a daughter of a 9/11 victim, took advantage of this opportunity to chide Trump and Harris for their lackadaisical stance on investigating potential connections between Saudi officials and the heinous attacks. Despite the fact that the majority of the 19 hijackers were from Saudi Arabia, the country adamantly denies any direct involvement. Yet, one can’t help but question the sincerity of the politicians in seeking the absolute truth.
Turning the spotlight on current leadership’s disregard for justice, Joanne Barbara – widow of Assistant Fire Chief Gerard Barbara, critiqued a now-rejected plea deal involving 9/11 mastermind Khalid Sheikh Mohammed and two other defendants. This sentiment reflects the conviction that nearly 23 years on, justice and accountability might still be a far cry.
As Biden and Harris wrapped up the event at ground zero and moved on to other commemoration services in Pennsylvania and the Pentagon, Trump and Vance paid a courtesy visit to a New York City firehouse. This sequence of events underlines the consideration of these activities more as political maneuvers rather than heartfelt acts of commemoration.
Bolstered by his early appearance at ground zero, Trump later visited the Flight 93 National Memorial near Shanksville, Pennsylvania. Here residents commemorated the heroic passengers and crew members who fought back against the hijackers, leading to the crash of the plane into a rural field instead of a populous urban center
The 9/11 attacks irreversibly affected the survivors and families of the 2,977 victims. The twin towers of the World Trade Center were leveled, and a hole was gouged into the Pentagon, the heart of the U.S. military. Even though it appears that most Americans no longer actively observe these anniversaries, the scar of 9/11 remains etched deep into the psyche of its survivors and families.
Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin’s statement that the Department of Defense remembers the attacks is just one among many that day, showing a profound disconnect between the public and the leadership. The vulnerability exposed by the 9/11 attacks continues to resonate, causing a seismic shift in the country’s foreign policy, national security practices, and mindset towards foreign aggression.
Following the demise of thousands in Afghanistan and Iraq during the ‘Global War on Terrorism’, U.S. citizens have been left wondering at the lasting impact of these conflicts and the meaningfulness of their sacrifices. The pain of loss reverberates through communities across America, not just on anniversaries like 9/11 but every day.
While the National Sept. 11 Memorial and Museum made the decision in 2012 to limit the ceremony to families reading victims’ names, it seems that politicians such as Biden, Harris, and Trump insist on co-opting the solemnity of the occasion for their own gains. Unsurprisingly, this decision has drawn criticism.
Korryn Bishop, who lost her cousin in the attacks, was amongst those who voiced concern over the prevalent political posturing at the ceremony. Brandon Jones, another relative of a 9/11 victim, likewise shared his frustration about the politicizing of an event that should be a haven for unity, reflection, and peace.
Interestingly, in 2008, during a more respectful age, then-senators and presidential campaign rivals John McCain and Barack Obama quietly paid their respects at ground zero. However, during the 2016 presidential campaign, the absence of a similar gesture brought the health of Democratic nominee Hilary Clinton under scrutiny, providing ammunition for her Republican opponent, Trump.
Over time, 9/11 ceremonies have acquired a diverse range of tones from critiques about American division and national security to addressing the casualties of the war on terror and individual politicians. There have even been allegations of politicizing 9/11 and appeals for lasting peace.
Jacob Afuakwah, a relative of one of the victims, offered prayers that terrorism, a brutal act of wickedness, should never be repeated. As younger generations like thirteen-year-old twins Brady and Emily Henry, who lost their firefighter uncle in the attack, take up the mantles of memory and reflection, the shared grief persists, intertwined with the hope for a peaceful future.
At the heart of the poignant ceremonies remain personal tributes and reflections that serve as stark reminders of the extent of the tragedy. While political figures continue put on a show of unity, the relatives of victims tirelessly keep the memories alive, delivering on their promise to ‘never let anyone forget those lost on Sept. 11.’
Biden, Harris Capitalize on 9/11 Anniversary for Political Gain appeared first on Real News Now.
About Author
