By Vera Samuel Anyagafu

Today  marks the 15th anniversary of one of the most tragic days in the history of the United States, when terrorists staged attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon and were only prevented from completing another attack by the heroism of the passengers on United Flight 93.

The events of that day also revealed the character of ordinary American citizens who demonstrated courage and  willingness to sacrifice for fellow citizens.

The images of that day, according to a statement from US Mission in Nigeria, “are forever imprinted on our memories”. The statement wend on: “As we recall the events fifteen years ago, let us renew our commitment to do all that we can, wherever we may be, to honor the victims of those attacks, as well as the others who have been harmed by terrorism in the years since September 11, 2001. We must defeat terrorists and all that they represent, and at the same time work tirelessly to promote dialogue, peace, and reconciliation in order to resolve the complex problems that we face in an interdependent world”.

“Sadly, tragic events throughout the world have shown the ongoing horrific impact of terrorism in Nigeria, Mali, Burkina Faso, France, Bangladesh, Turkey, and Belgium, among many other countries.  Far too many families around the globe have experienced pain and loss as a result of terrorism. It is clear that we all must stand together and work to defeat this scourge.”