This year marks the 16th anniversary of the 9/11 attack, which is still quite raw in Arlington.
The 9/11 attacks did not hit New York and Washington. They hit New York and Arlington, Virginia. That’s a detail that may be lost to many Americans. But here in Arlington on a cool crisp September morning — not a cloud in the sky, much like 16 years ago — Arlington County Board Chairman Jay Fisette presided over the presentation of a wreath at the Arlington government building.
“Many don’t remember but for the first 10 days at the Pentagon, it was our Arlington Fire Department that led the rescue and recovery operation.”
Everybody remembers where they were and what they were doing that day. Senator Tim Kaine recalls he was campaigning for lieutenant governor.
“I was sitting in the TV studio in the basement of the General Assembly Building about to record a little half hour interview in the closing phases of a campaign, and before we even started to film the news was coming across the TV.”
Campaigning stopped, and people’s attention turned toward disaster relief and ultimately to international terrorism.
Now, 16 years later, Kaine says the United States has made advances on the battlefield. But, points out that one-off attacks still pose a major risk, which is why he says it’s important for leaders in Washington to share intelligence with allies and have have a strong relationship with NATO.
This report, provided by Virginia Public Radio, was made possible with support from the Virginia Education Association.
