LIZ PEEK: We cannot let the left rewrite what happened on 9/11

25th Anniversary of 9/11 Brings Commemoration and Debate over How the Attacks Are Remembered

NEW YORK, N.Y. – On September 11, 2026, the United States marked the 25 years since the coordinated terrorist attacks that killed almost 3,000 people and altered the nation’s security posture forever. The day is a time for remembrance, public ceremonies, and, for some, a reminder of the ongoing debate over how the events should be taught and commemorated.

A Day in 2001

On the morning of September 11, 2001, 19 hijackers associated with the extremist group al‑Qaida flew four commercial airliners into targets in the United States. Two planes—American Airlines Flight 11 and United Airlines Flight 175—were crashed into the North and South towers of the World Trade Center in New York City. A third, American Airlines Flight 77, struck the Pentagon in Arlington, Virginia. The fourth, United Airlines Flight 93, crashed into a field near Shanksville, Pennsylvania, after passengers attempted to wrest control from the hijackers.

The attacks claimed the lives of 2,996 people, including the hijackers themselves. The figures have varied slightly over the years; the 2002 federal report lists 2,977 deaths, while most memorials and official counts use the 2,996 figure that includes the 19 hijackers.

National Remembrance

The 25th anniversary has been marked by a range of memorials. In New York City, the National September 11 Memorial & Museum drew more than 200,000 visitors over the weekend, while the 9/11 Tribute Wall and the 9/11 Memorial at Ground Zero hosted public vigils.

In the months following the attacks, the New York Philharmonic staged a performance of Brahms’ Requiem in Carnegie Hall, attended by officials such as former mayor Rudy Giuliani and Governor George Pataki. The concert, which opened with a national anthem sung by the audience and a 48‑star American flag, was the first major public event held in New York in the immediate aftermath of the attacks. It was also one of the first times that attendees had to pass through body scanners and have their bags searched, reflecting the new security protocols that emerged after 9/11.

Political Commentary

The anniversary has also prompted renewed commentary from politicians and public officials. Representative Ilhan Omar of Minnesota made a statement that was reported by some outlets as, “Some people did something.” The remark was cited as an attempt to minimize responsibility for the attacks, according to the opinion piece that served as the source for this article. The statement was later used in discussions about how the events are framed in public discourse.

Other politicians have also spoken about the attacks. Abdul El‑Sayed, a former mayor of Fresno, California, is running for the U.S. Senate in Michigan and has referenced the attacks in his campaign messaging. New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani has likewise mentioned the events in his public statements, framing them as a pivotal moment for the city and the country.

Education and Curriculum

In the years since 2001, education about 9/11 has become a point of contention. According to a survey of state education departments, 40 states require public schools to cover the attacks, although the scope and emphasis of the lessons vary. In 2024, the Texas Education Board approved a new curriculum package that ties the term “radical Islam” to the 2001 attacks. The curriculum, which has been adopted by a number of Democratic‑leaning states, includes a factual overview of the attacks and the number of casualties but does not discuss the background of individual hijackers or the broader ideology of al‑Qaida.

The curriculum’s language has prompted criticism from educators who argue that it oversimplifies the causes of terrorism and conflates Islam as a whole with extremist ideology. Proponents maintain that the material helps students understand the impact of terrorism on the United States.

Hate Crimes and Public Sentiment

The 25th anniversary has also highlighted broader issues of hate crimes. According to a New York City Department of Investigation report, 27 hate‑crime incidents targeting Muslims were documented in 2023—about six percent of the total. In contrast, 229 incidents were reported that targeted Jews, roughly 54 percent of the total. The data have been used by community leaders to argue that Islamophobia is not the dominant form of antisemitic or antisemitic sentiment in the city.

The debate over how 9/11 is remembered intersects with broader concerns about the rise of hate crimes, with many community groups calling for stronger anti‑discrimination laws and increased education on the dangers of extremist ideologies.

A Museum Exhibit for New Generations

The National September 11 Memorial & Museum announced a new exhibit aimed at connecting younger Americans with the history of the attacks. The exhibit, which opened earlier this year, includes personal artifacts, photographs, and interactive displays. Museum officials say the goal is to ensure that people who were born after 2001 can still understand the significance of the day and the lasting impact it has had on national security and collective memory.

Looking Ahead

As the nation continues to grapple with how to honor those who died and the lessons learned from 2001, the 25th anniversary serves as a reminder of both the tragedy itself and the ongoing cultural, political, and educational conversations that surround it. Whether through public memorials, classroom instruction, or civic debate, the legacy of September 11 remains a central part of American public life.