Sarah Ferguson issued an emotional statement this week to mark the 24th anniversary of the 9/11 terror attack. On Thursday, September 11, America paid tributes to the nearly 3,000 people killed in 2001 at the deadly attacks on the World Trade Centre, the Pentagon and Pennsylvania with solemn ceremonies around the country.
The Duchess of York, who was in New York City when the horrific attacks took place, spoke of her “shock and heartbreak” she witnessed that day. Fergie, as she is known affectionately, spoke about all “the lives lost and forever changed on September 11th, 2001” and urged people to “never forget”.
In a post featuring the Tribute in Light where the Twin Towers used to be in New York, the Duchess wrote:
“Today, we pause to remember the lives lost and forever changed on September 11th, 2001.
“I was in New York at the time, and like so many, I will never forget the shock, the heartbreak, and the extraordinary courage I witnessed that day. Out of unimaginable tragedy came stories of kindness, unity, and resilience that continue to inspire us all.
“My thoughts and prayers are with the families who lost loved ones, the survivors, and the first responders whose bravery and selflessness remind us of the very best of humanity.
“We must never forget. #September11 #NeverForget #911Anniversary #Unity #Hope.”
In total, the attacks by al-Qaida militants killed 2,977 people, including many financial workers at the World Trade Centre and firefighters and police officers who had rushed to the burning buildings trying to save lives.
The attacks reverberated globally, altering the course of U.S. foreign and domestic policy. It led to the “Global War on Terrorism ” and the U.S.-led invasions of Afghanistan and Iraq and related conflicts that killed hundreds of thousands of civilians and troops.