Since the tragic events of September 11, 2001, the United States has largely enjoyed a period of relative peace on its own soil. This sense of security may have contributed to a degree of detachment among some Americans, who feel insulated from the global issues that affect so many. Many people sit comfortably in their homes, seemingly oblivious to the world outside their doors.
In the wake of the military’s successful operation against Osama bin Laden, it became all too easy for many to ignore the ongoing situation in Afghanistan, especially as President Biden announced the complete withdrawal of troops by 9/11/2021. I wonder how many citizens recalled the reasons for our presence there and recognized that we were still engaged in the longest conflict in American history.
However, the collective complacency was shattered when an Islamic State suicide bomber attacked Kabul’s airport, resulting in the death of nearly 100 individuals, including 13 American service members. The loss of these brave individuals is a heavy burden to bear. As President Biden poignantly stated, “The 13 service members that we lost were heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice in service of our highest American ideals while saving the lives of others. Their bravery and selflessness enabled more than 117,000 people at risk to reach safety.”
With the exception of Marine Corps Staff Sgt. Darin T. Hoover, 31, of Salt Lake City, the other 12 soldiers were born in the years surrounding the 9/11 attacks—making them the so-called “9/11 babies.” While Hoover experienced the nation’s grief, the others grew up in an America forever altered by that day. They were born into a world filled with anger and chaos, and even if they were too young to remember, they certainly felt the consequences of the aftermath.
In the years following 9/11, the U.S. was on high alert, changing the very fabric of society. President George W. Bush quickly declared a mission to dismantle terrorist organizations, marking a departure from traditional military strategies. He boldly stated, “Our war on terror begins with al Qaeda, but it does not end there.” Subsequently, American forces were deployed to Afghanistan.
On that fateful day, as students and teachers paused their lessons to witness the horror unfold in New York, these young soldiers were either toddlers or not even born. While we watched in disbelief and anger, a palpable sense of patriotism surged through the nation. The days following the attacks saw a brief period of unity, as noted by columnist Sarah Jones: “In the days after the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks, people from all walks of life came together, proudly displaying American flags and singing ‘God Bless America’ on the Capitol steps.”
Yet, as Jones emphasizes, this unity was short-lived. Over time, the fear that initially bonded us began to wane, and our collective memory of 9/11 faded. The formative years of those 12 soldiers were spent in a nation divided. The initial sense of “us versus terrorism” gradually morphed into a more troubling narrative—an “us versus them” mentality directed towards anyone who appeared Arab or Muslim.
The backlash against perceived threats led to an alarming rise in hate crimes and discrimination, as documented by Human Rights Watch. This new wave of hostility was unprecedented, fueled by a misguided anger that targeted innocent individuals. Our country was splintering, and these 13 service members never experienced the unity that followed 9/11. Instead, they grew up in an environment where suspicion and division were commonplace.
As we confront ongoing challenges, from school shootings to racial tensions, we struggle to mend the fractures within our society. The tragic events of Charlottesville and the insurrection on January 6th only serve to highlight the deep divisions that persist. It’s disheartening that our 12 9/11 babies only knew an America at war—both abroad and within its borders. I wish they could have experienced a different kind of America, one defined by unity and peace.
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In summary, the tragic loss of 12 service members in Kabul highlights the deep divides that have emerged in America since 9/11. These young soldiers, born into a world shaped by conflict and division, never knew the unity that once defined our nation. As we reflect on their sacrifice, we are reminded of the need for healing and understanding in a country that has strayed far from the ideals we once held dear.
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