Remembering 9/11, then and now

The Sept. 11 attacks happened 11 years ago, long enough for children of those killed in the tragedy to grow into young men and women, perhaps long enough for families to move on (even though they’re unlikely to ever completely heal).

But the terrorist attacks haven’t been so long ago that Americans and others around the globe have figured out the “right” way to grieve. That’s because, of course, there is no single right way.

Some people have chosen to avoid the media this week -- newspapers, social media, television, any talk at all about the attacks -- in a bid to escape the horrible images that force them to relive the day.

Others have drawn closer to some of those media in an effort to honor the dead and to remember, taking pride in the nation’s ability to rebuild. Along those lines, a photo gallery featuring images taken by Associated Press photographer and photo editor Mark Lennihan shows just how much the damaged area of New York City has changed over the decade.

Regardless, many people seem unclear how to respond to the anniversary. Should they act as if nothing happened and move on to avoid the unbearable sadness of it all? At the same time, a nodding acknowledgment seems to fall short.

A few people have even made cruel jokes about the tragedy, posted inappropriate photos, talked of an “inside job” or tried to use the anniversary to build a social media following (asking for follows, likes and retweets if you too will “never forget”).

A small sampling of comments on Twitter underlines the general unease: How best to honor the dead, the injured and the heartbroken?

Many opted for a tweet of gratitude or to honor the soldiers who took up arms in the wake of the attacks. You’ll notice that several students took to Twitter to remark that the attacks were all but ignored in their classrooms today.

What do you think is the best way to remember the terrorist attacks, and honor the dead?

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