9/11 Memorial & Museum Marks Dual Anniversary with America 250
The 9/11 Memorial & Museum is commemorating two significant milestones: the 25th anniversary of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks and America’s approaching 250th anniversary. Elizabeth Hillman, President of the 9/11 Memorial & Museum, emphasizes the importance of informing nearly 100 million Americans born after 9/11 about the historical significance of the attacks and the national response that followed.
The Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC) recently announced a policy change, addressing why it previously advised staff against labeling the September 11 attacks as “terrorist attacks.” This memo, authored by Basem Boshra, CBC News’ senior director of journalistic standards and public trust, surfaced ahead of the attacks’ 25th anniversary. First reported by Warren Kinsella of the Toronto Sun, the directive instructed CBC News staff to avoid calling the events “terrorist attacks” and instead refer to them as hijackings that resulted in plane crashes in Washington, D.C., Pennsylvania, and Manhattan. The memo also noted the destruction of the World Trade Center.
CBC clarified its stance on terrorism-related terminology as the 25th anniversary approaches. The organization explained that confusion arose from a leaked excerpt of their internal language guide, published by various outlets without full context. Boshra stated, “It caused significant concern among those who believe we seek to downplay or obscure the horror of September 11 and its perpetrators.” He reassured that CBC’s reporting over the past 25 years has provided comprehensive accounts of the attacks by al-Qaeda, the search for those responsible, and the immense loss experienced by many.
The CBC plans to honor the 25th anniversary with special coverage, offering a reflective look at the tragedy’s magnitude. The organization’s terrorism reporting adheres to the principle of attribution, common among major news outlets. Boshra clarified, “CBC never claimed what happened on September 11, 2001, was not terrorism. Our reports have always been accurate, showing what police, governments, and an independent commission determined about the attacks.” In response to public concerns, they adjusted their language guidance to clarify that direct attribution isn’t required when describing 9/11 as terrorism.
Meanwhile, in New York, the structures at the 9/11 Memorial stand solemnly, with skyscrapers shining brightly at night. The central memorial pool is quietly illuminated, providing a place for reflection. Families affected by the attacks, like Olga Colon, who lost her brother Carlos Rey Lillo, a paramedic killed in the collapse of the South Tower, continue to commemorate their loved ones each year at the memorial ceremony.
In related news, Lt. Col. Michael Schrama, a military judge, recently dismissed a confession made by Khalid Sheikh Mohammed, the alleged mastermind behind the 9/11 attacks. Schrama’s ruling stated that Mohammed’s 2007 statements weren’t given voluntarily, complicating efforts to bring the accused to trial. A trial date for Mohammed and three co-defendants has been set for June 2028.