WASHINGTON: As the 22nd anniversary of the tragic September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks approaches, President Joe Biden is preparing to pay his respects in a distinctive manner.
The White House recently unveiled its plans for commemorating this solemn day, revealing that President Biden will choose to honour the memory of the victims and the resilience of the nation at an Alaska military base. This unconventional approach diverges from the traditional observances at the memorial sites in New York City, Virginia, and Pennsylvania.
On September 11, President Biden will make a poignant stop at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson in Anchorage, Alaska, during his return journey to Washington after an official trip to Asia, which includes a summit with global leaders in India and a subsequent visit to Vietnam. Rather than participating in the ceremonies held at the National September 11 Memorial and Museum in Manhattan or the Pentagon Memorial, President Biden’s decision reflects his commitment to recognizing the sacrifices made by service members and their families stationed at the Alaskan military base.
In contrast, Vice President Kamala Harris and her husband, Doug Emhoff, will join the annual observance at the National September 11 Memorial and Museum in lower Manhattan. Meanwhile, First Lady Jill Biden will lay a wreath at the 9/11 memorial at the Pentagon, an act that carries deep symbolism and significance.
The president’s choice to commemorate the anniversary in Alaska is not unprecedented. In the past, other presidents have opted for alternative observance locations. In 2015, President Barack Obama engaged in a moment of silence on the White House lawn before proceeding to Fort Meade in Maryland, where he acknowledged the crucial role played by the military in safeguarding the nation. Similarly, in 2005, President George W. Bush marked the anniversary on the White House lawn.
The White House has not yet revealed which official will participate in the Pennsylvania observance, maintaining an air of anticipation and respect for the upcoming events.
The September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks remain an indelible and somber chapter in American history. The hijacking of commercial aeroplanes that were then flown into the Twin Towers in New York City’s financial district and the Pentagon in Arlington, Virginia, led to the loss of nearly 3,000 lives. A fourth plane met a heroic end in a field in Shanksville, Pennsylvania, as passengers valiantly fought back against the hijackers. At the time of the attacks, Joe Biden was serving as a U.S. senator.
As the 22nd anniversary approaches, the nation once again comes together to remember, honor, and reflect. President Biden’s decision to observe the day in Alaska serves as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by those in uniform and their families, underscoring the resilience that defines the American spirit.
