The Incalculable Toll of 9-11

The events of 9/11 are forever seared into souls of those who experienced the tragic events of that day. Even twenty-two years later, it is an open wound for so many, hard for them to find closure even still to this day. There is an incalculable toll for those affected.

Yesterday, I covered the 9/11 ceremonies at Ground Zero for Real Americas Voice News, as I often do. More than two decades have gone by and still about 1,000 victims of the approximately 2,700 victims have yet to be identified. About 2,700 died on 9/11 at Ground Zero and 5,000 more have died from 9/11-related illnesses including those who worked, lived and went to school in Lower Manhattan and the numbers continue to grow.

Just as many FDNY firefighters have died from 9/11 related illnesses then were killed on 9/11, putting the toll at over 680 thus far. More are ill as more cancer and lung disorders are showing up well over twenty years later. Over 400,000 first responders came through the WTC Site in the months and years after 9/11 and the impacts on them and their families is also immeasurable. To this day there are about 30,000 people with 9/11-certified cancer. The WTC Health Program has over 125,000 registrants and 60,000 members of the program have an array of illnesses and conditions including 12 lung-related diseases, over 69 certified cancers, and several mental health and musculoskeletal disorders.

I spoke with many firefighters who gather outside the memorial near FDNY’s Ladder 10 and at Ohara’s Pub on Greenwich Street. They still find it hard to talk about and many decline to appear on camera as it is a solemn day for them. I interviewed John Owens, who lost his brother, Pete Owens who worked at Cantor Fitzgerald, and who perished in the attacks. I spoke with people from around the world who came to remember the fallen as well. I conducted a moving interview with John Bishop, a firefighter who came all the way from London. He is no stranger to terrorism himself as England has been hit with waves of attacks in the Tube, and on the streets of London since 9/11 as well. I also spoke with many who traveled all the way from Italy, the Netherlands and France to spread a message of hope for New York City.

File Photo

I always pay my respects on 9/11 at St. Paul’s Chapel, at Trinity Church, built in 1766, across from Ground Zero. It is where Alexander Hamilton is buried and where George Washington walked up the street after his inauguration to attend Mass. Dubbed the “the little chapel that stood” during 9/11, it miraculously had very little to no damage from debris. It became a respite for many thousands of first responders and National Guard where they would come to sleep.

The impacts of 9/11 will be with us for decades to come. Whether you lost a family member, a friend, or acquaintance, the effects of terrorist attacks on 9/11 weaves through our society in a multi-dimensional fashion, especially New Yorkers and millions throughout our region and country. ‘Never Forget’ resonates with us to this day and should be honored. But perhaps “Never Again” should also be the focus going forward.