Americans marking the 21st anniversary of the September 11 attacks are reflecting on its lasting impact while remaining sharply divided over how the events should be remembered and what lessons they hold for the nation today. The anniversary has sparked renewed debates about national security policies, foreign interventions, and the balance between freedom and safety in the post-9/11 era. Some view the attacks as a defining moment that reshaped American society, while others question whether the responses to them have fulfilled the original goals of unity and resilience. The differing perspectives highlight how deeply the legacy of 9/11 continues to influence political and cultural conversations across the country.
As Americans gather to remember 9/11, they're also divided about its legacy NPR
