Never Ever Forget.

As I sit in my office this afternoon, my thoughts turn to the events of 2001, 9/11 and how it changed my outlook on life and how the industry I have worked in for the last 30 years, approaches passenger security. Processes will never been the same again.

?As time passes, I know younger generations are not fully aware of the terrible events that unfolded that day and for some it is briefly remember on or around September 11th.

?So, as I sit here remembering, reading articles, and looking at images, I find myself wanting to write down a few words, a clearing of the mind if you like. ??????

?The events of September 11, 2001, stand as one of the most defining moments in modern history. On that day, the world watched in shock and horror as a series of coordinated terrorist attacks unfolded, targeting the very heart of the United States.

Four commercial air planes were hijacked by 19 terrorists associated with Al-Qaeda, leading to the collapse of the World Trade Centre in New York City, an attack on the Pentagon, and the crash of United Airlines Flight 93 in Pennsylvania, which had been heroically diverted by its passengers. The attacks claimed the lives of nearly 3,000 people, leaving an indelible mark on the national consciousness and reshaping the global landscape, and passenger experiences forever.

?The morning of September 11 began like any other. People across New York City and the nation were heading to work, boarding flights, or starting their daily routines. However, at 8:46 AM, American Airlines Flight 11 crashed into the North Tower of the World Trade Center. Seventeen minutes later, at 9:03 AM, United Airlines Flight 175 struck the South Tower. What began as confusion quickly turned into terror, as it became clear that these crashes were no accidents. By 9:37 AM, the Pentagon was hit by American Airlines Flight 77, and at 10:03 AM, the last hijacked plane, United Flight 93, crashed into a field in Pennsylvania, its passengers sacrificing themselves to prevent a likely attack on another critical target.

?By now at 10:03 many across the globe were ?transfixed to their TVs, Laptop screens in disbelief, some starting the day, some over lunch and some preparing for bed. One thing I am sure of is that each and everyone of us felt help less and sheer horror. ?

?The images of that day are seared into the memory of millions: towering plumes of smoke billowing from the skyscrapers, the shocking collapse of the Twin Towers, and the desperate faces of those fleeing the devastation. New York City was a scene of chaos, with debris filling the streets, and thousands of first responders racing to Ground Zero. In Washington, the attack on the Pentagon struck the core of the nation's defence establishment, further heightening the nation's sense of vulnerability.

I think we all felt this vulnerability and it did cross my mind a few times….“who’s next, is this going to happen in Europe or Asia in the next few hours…?”

?In the face of this unprecedented crisis, countless acts of heroism emerged. Firefighters, police officers, and paramedics ran toward danger, risking and often losing their lives to save others. Ordinary citizens helped strangers escape the burning towers, and on Flight 93, passengers who learned of the earlier attacks courageously fought back against their hijackers, preventing further loss of life. These acts of bravery became enduring symbols of the resilience and strength of the human spirit.

?As the dust settled in the days and weeks following the attacks, the magnitude of the loss became clear. Nearly 3,000 people from over 90 countries perished that day. The World Trade Centre site, once a bustling centre of commerce, was reduced to rubble, forever altering the skyline of New York City. Families across the nation grieved for loved ones lost in an instant, and the country faced the sobering reality that it was not immune to acts of mass violence on its own soil.

?For those who lived through it, 9/11 remains a day of profound loss and collective grief. It is a day etched into our collective memory not only for the horror and violence but for the unity that followed. In the aftermath, people across the nation and the world came together, offering support, prayers, and hope. In New York City, thousands of volunteers rushed to aid recovery efforts, demonstrating the power of community and compassion in the face of tragedy.

?Each year, as we remember September 11, we are reminded of the fragility of life and the strength of the human spirit. We honour the victims by telling their stories, and by striving for a future where such senseless acts of violence become a distant memory.

?The events of 9/11 continue to resonate today, shaping how we view security, freedom, and global cooperation. The lessons of that day — the courage of ordinary people, the importance of unity in the face of adversity, and the enduring impact of grief and healing — remain as relevant now as they were in the aftermath of the attacks. As we move forward, we carry with us the memory of those lost, and we reaffirm our commitment to ensuring that their sacrifice is never forgotten. The phrase "Never Forget", reminds us that while time moves on, the legacy of that day remains.

?We should never forget this terrible event of any of the subsequent acts of terrorism we read about on a regular basis, some small, some large, but all life changing for someone. We must continue to be vigilant and be one, two, three steps ahead of these individuals looking to disrupt of way of life.

?NEVER FORGET.