Two Decades Later, the Enduring Legacy of 9/11
Two Decades Later, the Enduring Legacy of 9/11
SEPTEMBER 11, 202
Americans watched in horror as the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, left nearly 3,000 people dead in New York City, Washington, D.C., and Shanksville, Pennsylvania. Nearly 20 years later, they watched in sorrow as the nation’s military mission in Afghanistan – which began less than a month after 9/11 – came to a bloody and chaotic conclusion.
The enduring power of the Sept. 11 attacks is clear: An overwhelming share of Americans who are old enough to recall the day remember where they were and what they were doing when they heard the news. Yet an ever-growing number of Americans have no personal memory of that day, either because they were too young or not yet born.
A review of U.S. public opinion in the two decades since 9/11 reveals how a badly shaken nation came together, briefly, in a spirit of sadness and patriotism; how the public initially rallied behind the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, though support waned over time; and how Americans viewed the threat of terrorism at home and the steps the government took to combat it.
As the country comes to grips with the tumultuous exit of U.S. military forces from Afghanistan, the departure has raised long-term questions about U.S. foreign policy and America’s place in the world. Yet the public’s initial judgments on that mission are clear: A majority endorses the decision to withdraw from Afghanistan, even as it criticizes the Biden administration’s handling of the situation. And after a war that cost thousands of lives – including more than 2,000 American service members – and trillions of dollars in military spending, a new Pew Research Center survey finds that 69% of U.S. adults say the United States has mostly failed to achieve its goals in Afghanistan.
A devastating emotional toll, a lasting historical legacy
Shock, sadness, fear, anger: The 9/11 attacks inflicted a devastating emotional toll on Americans. But as horrible as the events of that day were, a 63% majority of Americans said they couldn’t stop watching news coverage of the attacks.
Our first survey following the attacks went into the field just days after 9/11, from Sept. 13-17, 2001. A sizable majority of adults (71%) said they felt depressed, nearly half (49%) had difficulty concentrating and a third said they had trouble sleeping.
It was an era in which television was still the public’s dominant news source – 90% said they got most of their news about the attacks from television, compared with just 5% who got news online – and the televised images of death and destruction had a powerful impact. Around nine-in-ten Americans (92%) agreed with the statement, “I feel sad when watching TV coverage of the terrorist attacks.” A sizable majority (77%) also found it frightening to watch – but most did so anyway.
Americans were enraged by the attacks, too. Three weeks after 9/11, even as the psychological stress began to ease somewhat, 87% said they felt angry about the attacks on the World Trade Center and Pentagon.
Fear was widespread, not just in the days immediately after the attacks, but throughout the fall of 2001. Most Americans said they were very (28%) or somewhat (45%) worried about another attack. When asked a year later to describe how their lives changed in a major way, about half of adults said they felt more afraid, more careful, more distrustful or more vulnerable as a result of the attacks.

Even after the immediate shock of 9/11 had subsided, concerns over terrorism remained at higher levels in major cities – especially New York and Washington – than in small towns and rural areas. The personal impact of the attacks also was felt more keenly in the cities directly targeted: Nearly a year after 9/11, about six-in-ten adults in the New York (61%) and Washington (63%) areas said the attacks had changed their lives at least a little, compared with 49% nationwide. This sentiment was shared by residents of other large cities. A quarter of people who lived in large cities nationwide said their lives had changed in a major way – twice the rate found in small towns and rural areas.
The impacts of the Sept. 11 attacks were deeply felt and slow to dissipate. By the following August, half of U.S. adults said the country “had changed in a major way” – a number that actually increased, to 61%, 10 years after the event.
A year after the attacks, in an open-ended question, most Americans – 80% – cited 9/11 as the most important event that had occurred in the country during the previous year. Strikingly, a larger share also volunteered it as the most important thing that happened to them personally in the prior year (38%) than mentioned other typical life events, such as births or deaths. Again, the personal impact was much greater in New York and Washington, where 51% and 44%, respectively, pointed to the attacks as the most significant personal event over the prior year.
Just as memories of 9/11 are firmly embedded in the minds of most Americans old enough to recall the attacks, their historical importance far surpasses other events in people’s lifetimes. In a survey conducted by Pew Research Center in association with A+E Networks’ HISTORY in 2016 – 15 years after 9/11 – 76% of adults named the Sept. 11 attacks as one of the 10 historical events of their lifetime that had the greatest impact on the country. The election of Barack Obama as the first Black president was a distant second, at 40%.
The importance of 9/11 transcended age, gender, geographic and even political differences. The 2016 study noted that while partisans agreed on little else that election cycle, more than seven-in-ten Republicans and Democrats named the attacks as one of their top 10 historic events.
Rep. McNamara working with local law enforcement to stop tech-savvy criminals
STATEHOUSE – A local burglary involving a high-tech signal jammer most often used to evade authorities has State Rep. Wendy McNamara (R-Evansville) and the Vanderburgh County Sheriff’s Office working together to find legislative solutions.
During a meeting led by McNamara today at the Statehouse, the Interim Study Committee on Corrections and Criminal Code discussed concerns over criminals using signal jamming equipment, which can turn off Wi-Fi cameras, like Ring doorbells, and other devices that use radio frequencies, to avoid getting caught. Recently, Vanderburgh County sheriff deputies found a frequency jamming device in a burglary suspect’s vehicle, which they believe prevented their computer from working.
While it’s a federal crime to use this technology, McNamara said Indiana does not have a law on the books about intentionally interfering with communications.
“I’m very concerned about criminals’ use of this technology and the threat it presents to public safety,” McNamara said. “These jamming devices could mean a victim couldn’t call 911 for help or access their security cameras. We want to close any loopholes in state law to ensure criminals will be held accountable. That’s why I will continue working with the Vanderburgh County Sheriff’s Office and other local law enforcement to find legislative solutions to propose during the upcoming legislative session.”
Vanderburgh County Sheriff Noah Robinson testified today during the study committee about the dangers of signal jamming devices and called for legislative action to help law enforcement hold criminals accountable.
“Indiana has a number of laws that deal with the interference with reporting of a crime, but none that deal with actually interfering with the signals that are being broadcast by our cellular and Wi-Fi devices,” Robinson said. “As a local law enforcement officer, it is frustrating to see someone use a device of this magnitude and the danger it poses and not have any teeth in Indiana law to allow us to take action to stop it or dissuade someone else from trying the same thing.”
McNamara said Robinson’s testimony helped her and the members of the interim study committee better understand the technology and law enforcement’s concerns, and she plans to craft legislation during the 2025 session, which will begin in January.
Fighting federal overreach and job-killing climate extremism
Fighting federal overreach and job-killing climate extremism, Attorney General Todd Rokita leads multistate suit against Biden-Harris ‘Clean Power Plan 2.0’
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency edict is designed to expand control over lives and kill jobs
Taking the next step in a lawsuit of massive ramifications, Attorney General Todd Rokita and fellow plaintiffs have filed an opening brief in federal appeals court asserting that an invasive new EPA rule is unlawful.
Further, if implemented, the Biden-Harris administration rule would 1) threaten the reliability of America’s power grid, 2) jack up utility costs for U.S. consumers, 3) destroy jobs and 4) wreck the nation’s economy.
“This extremist rule would prove absolutely devastating to everyday, hardworking Hoosiers,” Attorney General Rokita said. “It would expand the federal government’s control of people’s lives without even helping conserve the natural environment in any meaningful way. Plus it would kill jobs.”
Attorney General Rokita announced in May that he and West Virginia’s attorney general were co-leading a 25-state lawsuit opposing the Biden-Harris administration’s “Clean Power Plan 2.0.” Other states and industry are challenging the rule as well.
The EPA rule takes deadly aim at coal-fired power plants — requiring many to capture 90% of carbon emissions using expensive, unproven technology. And in the meantime, as federal bureaucrats promise a future filled with unspecified “green” jobs, the EPA’s rule forces the premature closure of these plants. This takes a two-part hit on Hoosiers: the killing of jobs and the expansion of the federal government’s control over everyday people’s lives.
Countless hard workers are put in imminent and long-term peril, including the jobs of people in coal-fired power plants and adjacent employees who work for companies which provide supplies, transportation, logistics and other day-to-day services. By causing higher energy costs across all industries, the rule also forces budget-cutting and a potentially seismic reduction in the overall work force. This rule exceeds the agency’s statutory authority and gives insufficient consideration to important facts, such as cost and grid reliability.
“There is no justification — none — for surrendering state and local authority to power-hungry unelected bureaucrats in the federal government,” Attorney General Rokita said. “And we certainly face no dire crisis requiring us to torpedo our state and national economy.”
While the Biden administration seeks to appease the powerful political forces behind a radical clima
Ascension St. Vincent Foundation announces new board leadership
Ascension St. Vincent Foundation announces new board leadership
Indianapolis, IN – The Ascension St. Vincent Foundation is pleased to announce new leadership to its Board of Directors for fiscal year 2025, including the retirement of John Murphy as Board Chair, and the appointment of Katie Lucas as Board Chair, Scott Boveas Treasurer, Cali Moore as Secretary, and the addition of six new board members.
Ascension St. Vincent Foundation board members are dedicated to supporting our Ascension St. Vincent ministries. They actively engage in the work of the Foundation by recognizing and supporting the vital role philanthropy plays in fulfilling our hospitals’ mission and inspiring others to support the cause.
Each fiscal year new board members are elected following their approval by the hospital board, ensuring they meet the high standards and qualifications necessary to contribute effectively to the Ascension St. Vincent Foundation Board of Directors and support the mission of the Ascension St. Vincent ministries.
Katie Lucas will serve as the new Board Chair, bringing her extensive experience and passionate commitment to the organization. Lucas has served as a dynamic member of the Board since 2017.Currently the President of Lucas Oil Products, Lucas brings a wealth of experience and leadership to her new role.
Lucas has shown a deep commitment to the hospital’s Mission, patients and families through her efforts in leading the annual Eric Medlen Memorial Golf Tournament, which has raised over $1.7 million for Peyton Manning Children’s Hospital over the years. She is also a Founding Member and Inaugural Chair of Called to Care, a Circle of Impact that includes compassionate women in the community who serve, support and raise awareness for the Children’s Hospital.
“I am honored to assume the role of Board Chair. My personal experiences with the compassionate and holistic care provided by the care team members at the hospital have profoundly shaped my understanding of healthcare’s transformative power,” said Lucas. “With a deep commitment to our faith-based mission, I look forward to partnering with donors, staff and fellow board members in advancing our dedication to excellence and serving our community.”
New board members include:
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Michael Busk, MD, MPH, Vice President and Medical Director of the Ascension St. Vincent Health, Wellness, and Preventive Care Institute.
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Nessa Hamman, Co-Founder of Prime 47 Carmel/Prime Catering.
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Kalen Irsay Jackson, Vice-Chair and Owner of Indianapolis Colts.
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Dave Neff, CEO of Boilermaker Alliance.
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Jennifer Schaefer, Assistant Principal at St. Luke Catholic School.
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Jason Sondhi, CEO of EXOS (formerly Sondhi Solutions).
The Foundation extends gratitude to John Murphy for his exceptional service and dedication as the outgoing board chair. Murphy has significantly contributed to the Ascension St. Vincent Foundation since joining the board in 2016. His leadership roles included Chair of the Governance and Executive Committees and membership on the Care for Tomorrow Campaign Committee for the Women and Infants Hospital expected to open in late 2024
Remaining on the Board are members:
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Scott Bove, STAR Financial Bank (Board Treasurer).
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Cali Moore, Estes Family Foundation (Board Secretary).
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Vince Caponi, retired, Ascension St. Vincent.
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Julie Carpenter, Krieg DeVault.
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Linda Carroll, MS, Ascension St. Vincent.
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Katie Fischer, BSN, RN, Ascension St. Vincent Women’s Hospital.
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Max Hittle, retired, Krieg DeVault.
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Dr. Susan Maisel, retired, Banner Health System.
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Allison Melangton, Penske Entertainment.
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Dan Parod, Ascension St. Vincent.
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Julie Schnieders, MSN, CNP, Ascension St. Vincent.
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Fanchon Stinger, Grit & Grace.
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Joe Webster, Jr., MD, Northside Anesthesia Services, LLC and Carmel Specialty Surgery Center
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Ann Haupt, Ascension St. Vincent Foundation (Ex-Officio).
The Ascension St. Vincent Foundation is grateful for the service and commitment of the Board of Directors, and look forward to the future growth and success due to their leadership.
9/11 Memorial Climb
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EPD DAILY ACTIVITY REPORT
FOOTNOTE: EPD DAILY ACTIVITY REPORT information was provided by the EPD and posted by the City-County-County Observer without opinion, bias, or editing.
DEFENSEMAN DILLON HILL RETURNS TO THUNDERBOLTS
HOT JOBS
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Mayor Terry Announces Opioid Settlement Fund Recipient Recommendation
Evansville Mayor Stephanie Terry tonight requested that Evansville City Council approve the distribution of more than $1.2 million in Opioid Settlement Funds to organizations helping battle the opioid epidemic.
If approved, the funds would be distributed to six organizations focused on reaching populations most vulnerable to opioid abuse, and working with them in what research has found to be their most influential moments.
“In considering the applications we received, we saw opportunities to reach our homeless population; we saw opportunities to reach individuals as they enter – or to stay with them as they exit – the criminal justice system,” said Evansville Mayor Stephanie Terry. “The committee saw these as real opportunities to make a difference in people’s lives, and I agree, which is why I am asking the Council to approve the distribution of funds when the ordinance goes to second reading on September 23.”
If approved, the organizations and programs receiving funds would be:
YWCA Evansville: Say YES! To Sobriety and Self-Sufficiency – $200,000
Evansville Rescue Mission: Recovery Program of the Evansville Rescue Mission– $150,000
Vanderburgh County Mental Health Court: Mental Health Court – $96,000
Vanderburgh County Sheriff’s Office: Recovery Community Organization – $250,000
Evansville Police Department: Tackling the Opioid Epidemic – $275,826
The Women’s Hospital: Perinatal Support Consult Program – $231,080
Representatives of each organization were present at tonight’s City Council meeting, and details of their program can be found on the City of Evansville website at www.evansvillegov.org/city.
These six programs were recommended to Mayor Terry by a committee she formed in April, comprised of experts and community stakeholders. That committee, which was tasked with developing criteria and evaluating applications, was led by Deputy Mayor Lindsay Locasto and Communications Director Joe Atkinson, and was comprised of:
- State Representative Ryan Hatfield
- Lisa Seif, LCSW
- Assistant Police Chief Nathan Hassler
- Superior Court Judge Wayne Trockman
- Larissa Martin-Madison, MSN-Ed, RN, IBCLC, RLC
The group reviewed a total of 22 applications received in late Spring, after Mayor Terry’s office announced a request for such proposals. In total, those requests represented more than $4.4 million in programs aimed at combating opioids in Evansville. At the time, the city had $940,540.27 in “restricted” funds, which must be used for opioid addiction, treatment, and harm reduction purposes; and another $371.028.44 is in “unrestricted” funds, which can be used for non-opioid purposes.
Those funds are part of a $54 billion federal settlement agreement reached in 2021 with Opioid manufacturers, distributors, and retailers. At the time, Indiana learned it would receive $507 million of those funds over an 18-year period; the funds Mayor Terry is requesting City Council approve distributing includes funds remaining from the city’s allocation in 2023, as well as nearly all of its 2024 allocation.
Evansville is scheduled to receive additional funds, which will likely be distributed through a similar process, in 2025.