Wed Sep 11 23:38:59 UTC 2024: ## 23 Years After 9/11: San Diegans Reflect on the Lasting Impacts of Tragedy and War
**San Diego, CA** – The events of September 11, 2001, continue to resonate deeply in the hearts and minds of Americans, especially those who were directly affected by the tragedy. On the 23rd anniversary, KPBS Midday Edition spoke to San Diegans who experienced the attacks firsthand, reflecting on the enduring consequences of the attacks and the War on Terror.
**First Responder Shares Trauma of Ground Zero**
John Wood, Assistant Fire Chief at San Diego Fire and Rescue, was part of the Urban Search and Rescue team sent to New York City in the aftermath of 9/11. He described the overwhelming devastation at ground zero, the emotional toll of recovering victims, and the long-term health impacts he and his fellow first responders face.
“The pictures don’t do it justice,” Wood said, recounting his experience. “The magnitude of it, you can’t believe that these buildings… it was amazing to see that. And I couldn’t believe the devastation and what had happened.”
Wood also highlighted the importance of mental health support for first responders, noting that resources have expanded significantly since 9/11. He emphasized the need for continued vigilance and awareness about the lasting health effects of the disaster.
**Survivor Shares Story of Resilience and Loss**
Judy Myers, a San Diego resident, was working in Lower Manhattan during the attacks. She recounted her harrowing experience, from the confusion and fear on the New Jersey Transit train to the surreal scenes of the city in the days after.
“It was like a war zone down in Lower Manhattan,” Myers said. “The trucks carrying the World Trade Center debris were rumbling along on Water Street… it was just horrible.”
Myers also shared her personal battle with lung cancer, which she attributes to the toxic air she breathed near ground zero. She urged other survivors to seek medical attention and consider applying for the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund and the World Trade Center Health Program.
**Professor Analyzes War on Terror’s Legacy**
Ibrahim Al Amarachi, Associate Professor of Middle East History at Cal State University San Marcos, provided a historical perspective on the War on Terror and its implications. He spoke about the misuse of his own research on the 1991 Gulf War to justify the 2003 invasion of Iraq, demonstrating the dangers of misinterpreting historical context.
Al Amarachi also criticized the lack of understanding surrounding the origins of al-Qaeda and the consequences of U.S. military interventions in the Middle East. He argued that the War on Terror, despite its stated goal of fighting terrorism, has created more chaos and instability, leading to the emergence of new and more violent terrorist groups.
“We still do not know what are the ramifications of America’s involvement in the current conflict in Gaza,” Al Amarachi said. “By the US, by taking a side in a Middle Eastern conflict, I would argue, is also opening itself up for further retaliation.”
**Looking Towards the Future**
As we reflect on the 23rd anniversary of 9/11, the interviews with these San Diegans offer a powerful reminder of the ongoing impact of the attacks and the War on Terror. They underscore the need for continued support for first responders, survivors, and those affected by the conflict. They also highlight the importance of learning from the past and striving for a more peaceful and just future.
First Piper 