Trump marks 25th 9/11 anniversary at Pentagon, calling to never forget and keep fighting

At the Pentagon in Washington, D.C., the U.S. capital, a ceremony was held today (the 11th) to mark the 25th anniversary of the September 11 terrorist attacks. During the event, former President Donald Trump, in a solemn tone, reiterated that the nation will never forget the terrorist attacks that took place on September 11, 2001, and stated that the United States will continue to "fight" to the end. These remarks resonated strongly among the military personnel and dignitaries in attendance, once again drawing national and global attention to a wound that has not fully healed.

Looking back 25 years, four commercial airliners were hijacked by al-Qaeda. Two crashed into the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center in New York, another struck the Pentagon in Washington, and the final plane crashed in Pennsylvania. The tragedy claimed nearly 3,000 lives, destroyed structures that symbolized American economic and military power, and directly led to the U.S. launching a global war on terror. The subsequent wars in Afghanistan and Iraq kept U.S. foreign and security policies under high pressure for years, while sparking widespread domestic and international controversy over terrorism and military intervention.

Trump’s remarks at the ceremony not only echoed the long-standing official U.S. slogan of "never forget" as a marker of national memory but also reflected his ongoing political strategy of leveraging the counter-terrorism agenda to rally support. Since his election in 2016, Trump has frequently positioned "fighting terrorism" at the core of his foreign and domestic policy proposals, emphasizing enhanced border security, increased military budgets, and intensified sanctions against countries such as Iran. This commemoration comes at a time when the U.S. faces a new wave of domestic political division and international security challenges, leading observers to interpret Trump’s stance as a signal regarding the future direction of U.S. security policy.

On the international front, the 25th anniversary also serves as a reminder that nations must continue to address the evolving nature of terrorism. Over the past decade, the tactics of extremist organizations have shifted from large-scale hijackings to decentralized homegrown attacks and online propaganda, placing higher demands on prevention and detection capabilities. During this period, the United States has continuously adjusted its intelligence-sharing mechanisms and strengthened cooperation with allies such as NATO and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) to maintain defensive resilience in the face of diverse threats. Trump’s call to "keep fighting" also reminds the international community that preventing terrorist attacks remains a long-term challenge requiring cross-border cooperation.

Furthermore, the commemorative ceremony serves as a process of self-healing for American society. Every year, thousands of survivors, victims' families, and volunteers gather at the World Trade Center site to pay tribute to the deceased and convey historical lessons through memorials and museums. These activities are not only a way to mourn the dead but also a warning to future generations: the price of freedom and security must be forever remembered. In this context, Trump’s remarks are also viewed as a call to all Americans, reminding them not to forget the blood and tears of history while pursuing peace.

In conclusion, the 25th anniversary is not only a reflection on past tragedies but also a renewed examination of future security and values. Although Trump’s speech at the Pentagon was brief, it carried profound implications, reminding policy makers at home and abroad that, in the face of emerging threats, they must continue to defend the core values of humanity and freedom, grounded in firm resolve and international cooperation. (Source: Central News Agency)