by Terri Dee
INDIANAPOLIS (Indiana News Service) - Sept. 11, 2026, marks the 25th anniversary of one of the darkest days in U.S. history: the terrorist airplane attacks on the World Trade Center in New York City and the attempt to destroy the Pentagon in Washington, D.C.
In downtown Indianapolis, a memorial containing two 11,000-pound beams from the twin towers is dedicated to those killed.
Benjamin Krause, a disabled veteran and veterans’ rights attorney, said as America mourns the more than 3,000 lives lost, Americans should not forget that day. He called it a reminder the country needs to be on guard against foreign and domestic enemies at all times.
“When we fail to remember the sacrifices that our forefathers paid to get us to where we’re at, we start to slip, and our society goes to sleep and doesn’t have the systems in place that are necessary to make sure we maintain our greatness on a world stage,” Krause asserted.
He noted another domestic terrorist attempt has not occurred since 9/11, arguing for the effectiveness of policies implemented since the attacks. Krause remembers how the attacks galvanized patriotism among young people, noting it is important future generations understand what happened and the human cost that followed.
As the country moves further away from the events of 9/11, Krause stressed it will forever serve as a reminder of those who put their lives at risk to protect others, whether police, firemen, soldiers or EMT first responders.
“Sometimes that duty is expensive and it’s important for us to not try to cut corners and evade accountability for the individuals that are willing to run into the fire, that are willing to put their lives at risk, to make sure that they get the best healthcare they can get afterwards,” Krause emphasized.
Thousands of on-the-ground responders and survivors have developed 9/11-related cancer and other illnesses, adding to the number of line-of-duty fatalities. Krause acknowledged the long-term consequences of the wars following 9/11, saying they will exist for many generations.
Research from this year estimated between 400,000 and 650,000 lives were lost throughout the Iraq War, including both civilians and soldiers.