9/11 - 22 Years On.

On September 11th, 22 years ago, at 13:30 BST, the United States experienced a day that forever altered the course of history. The events of 9/11 are etched into our collective memory, marking a turning point in the world's narrative.

The tragic consequences of that fateful day continue to resonate with us. The profound loss of life, not only on September 11th itself but in the days that followed and in the years since, serves as a sombre reminder of the human toll of terrorism.

Survivors of the attacks carry with them the enduring memories of that day, memories that have shaped their lives and left an indelible mark on their souls. The scars, both visible and invisible, remain as a testament to their resilience and strength.

We must also remember the heroes of 9/11, the emergency service workers who rushed into danger to save lives. They are part of a global family of first responders, known by their respective emergency call numbers - #911family, #112family, and #999family. Many of these brave men and women have suffered from illnesses related to their heroic efforts, and tragically, some have paid the ultimate price. Their sacrifice serves as a poignant reminder of the selflessness that defines these dedicated individuals.

In the wake of 9/11, the world witnessed a series of military operations aimed at addressing the threat of terrorism and bringing those responsible to justice. Operations like Enduring Freedom, Fingal, Jacana, Entirety, Herrick 1-18, Silicon, Silver, Panchai Palang, and Moshtarak became household names. These endeavours represented a global commitment to confronting terrorism and its root causes.

Amid the darkness of that day and its aftermath, we hold onto a common hope and prayer: the hope for peace and the belief that love can conquer hate. 9/11 serves as a stark reminder of the destructive power of hatred, but it also underscores the importance of fostering unity, understanding, and compassion among nations and peoples.

We must express our profound gratitude to all those who have tirelessly worked to support freedom and confront the challenges that have arisen in the wake of 9/11. Their unwavering dedication to the principles of liberty and justice has been a beacon of hope in times of uncertainty. They have shown us the true meaning of bravery and solidarity.

As we reflect on the events of 9/11, we remember the lives lost, the survivors who carry the burden of memory, the first responders who risked everything, and the brave individuals who served in military operations around the world. Let us honour their sacrifices by striving for a world where peace prevails over conflict, love triumphs over hate, and unity prevails over division.

The sooner humanity realises that we all, regardless of gender, colour, creed, sexuality, religion breathe one common air under one common canopy - for we are all equal, all making a single journey from birth to death, and use that knowledge to help each other the better