Twenty-five years after the September 11, 2001 attacks, Americans continue to grapple with its profound legacy, impacting national security, leading to prolonged wars, and forever altering individual lives.

• Over 3,000 people died in the attacks on the World Trade Center, the Pentagon, and in Pennsylvania.
• The article highlights the stories of three individuals: Scott Larsen, a New York City Fire Department firefighter whose father died on 9/11; Dr. Michael Crane, who provided medical care to rescue workers; and Michael Tuohey, an airline agent who encountered two hijackers before the attacks.
• The attacks reshaped US national security policy and led to decades-long wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.