Editor’s note: “Behind the News” is the product of Sun staff assisted by the Sun’s AI lab, which includes a variety of tools such as Anthropic’s Claude, Perplexity AI, Google Gemini and ChatGPT.

The Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks marked a watershed moment in American history, fundamentally reshaping national security infrastructure, military engagement strategies, airport security protocols and the collective psyche of the American people.

While the attacks caused immense trauma and lasting effects on survivors, families and first responders, they also demonstrated American resilience and the capacity for positive transformation in the face of tragedy.

The comprehensive changes implemented in response to 9/11 continue to influence American policy, security measures and commemorative

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