Mitch Albom: After 25 years, what has changed and what has not

Key Points:

• The article reflects on the 25th anniversary of the September 11, 2001 attacks, emphasizing how the event marked the end of an era of American innocence and security, and the beginning of a new, ongoing "War on Terror."
• It highlights that a third of Americans today have no personal memory of 9/11, underscoring the importance of educating younger generations about the event's profound impact on national security, civil liberties, and global relations.
• The piece details the immediate and long-term consequences of 9/11, including the creation of new security measures, government agencies, and legislation, as well as shifts in public attitudes toward privacy, immigration, and surveillance.
• The author recalls the initial unity and patriotism that followed the attacks, contrasting it with today's more divided political and social climate, while acknowledging ongoing threats and the continued relevance of the War on Terror.
• The article concludes with a call to younger Americans to understand the transformative effects of 9/11 on the nation and to educate future generations to prevent repeating past mistakes.