Is 9/11 Fading?

I’ve started this journal to open a dialogue with the American people about our nation’s security. I would like to hear your thoughts about the steps we’re taking to keep the nation safe. This way, we can learn more about concerns you have within your states and communities. And I want to hear fresh ideas and even constructive criticism about our Department. From time to time, I’ll take a moment to write about issues on my mind, and I’ll invite other members of the Department leadership to offer their thoughts as well.

Of course, yesterday our nation marked the six year anniversary of 9/11. For many of us, 9/11 is still fresh in our minds. The morning of the attack I was on my way to work at the Department of Justice, where I headed the Criminal Division. I spent the next twenty hours at the FBI Operation Center unraveling the first layer of the plot. We determined who the 19 hijackers were by listening to the messages some of the passengers left with their loved ones when they called in from the airplanes. Then we were able to determine where the seats were on the airplanes, and compared the seat numbers with the passenger manifests. That allowed us to identify the 19 hijackers. We then tracked their activities through car rental receipts, hotel receipts, and credit card receipts, and followed the money backwards. Ultimately the trail led to the Al Qaeda network.

Yesterday, I had an opportunity to visit the crash site in Shanksville, Pennsylvania to meet with 9/11 family members. I also spent time at a memorial ceremony in Washington, D.C. honoring first responders who risked their lives rescuing people at the Pentagon. I know these family members and responders will never forget what happened to our country six years ago. I am concerned, however, that for some Americans, the reality of 9/11 is fading.

The Department of Homeland Security exists to prevent a repetition of attacks like those on September 11th. I hope this journal will encourage you to remember why we’re taking actions to protect our country and why it is important that we never lose our commitment to the memory of the heroes of 9/11. I look forward to hearing from you and appreciate your time.

Michael Chertoff

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