Julie McDermott, center, walks with other victims as they make their way through debris near the World Trade Center in Manhattan on Sept. 11, 2001. *AP
Recently, I saw articles where some communities asked residents to submit names of those who died of Covid-19, which will also be read during the 9-11-01 Commemorative Ceremonies. In my opinion, that will tarnish the memory of those who were murdered on 9-11-01. Governor Murphy had ordered flags at half-staff to remember those who died of Covid-19 in the state. There should be another agreed upon date to remember the people who died from Covid-19. Perhaps the Covid-19 victims will be better served if those mayors called for churches to offer prayers one Sunday a month for them or the National Day of Prayer would be more appropriate to remember Covid-19 victims.
Although there are many who suffered loss of family and friends due to Covid-19, the 9/11/01 Remembrance Ceremony is not the time and place to do this. September 11, 2001 is a day that will be forever embedded in the minds of those in the United States and around the World who witnessed that tragedy. The VICTIMS of SEPTEMBER 11, 2001 WERE MURDERED.
Covid-19 was in full swing already before September 11, 2020. You can’t pinpoint an exact time when it became a threat. On September 11th, 2001 there were times pinpointed when the planes struck each tower and the Pentagon, and when the plane came down in Shanksville. People jumped to their deaths from the World Trade Center to avoid being burnt to death. Survivors of those who perished were relieved even by having a bone fragment or a piece of jewelry identified, or they may have the horror of not having any remains recovered. On 9/11/01 so many people were murdered at once in one place. That day of horror will never be forgotten.
Even at this moment, there are many medical advances being made to combat Covid-19. Although the pandemic is a different type of tragedy in itself and many died alone in hospitals, there is a difference.
Many apps that we take for granted such as video calling were not available on the average cell phone in 2001. Most cell phones did not even function during 9-11-01. Many did not even know if their loved ones were dead or alive.
There were many who suffered the consequences of 9-11-01 and died years later due to cancer and other conditions due to the contaminants at Ground Zero. There are many who are still suffering today.
Carolyn M. & Katherine M.
