United We Stand

Sydney Malicse • November 4, 2024

On Sept. 11, 2001, nearly 3,000 lives were tragically lost in a series of terrorist attacks. The 9/11 commemoration ceremony, which happens in New York City, is an annual event where people from around the world come together to honor the lives of those lost in the attacks. At the 23rd anniversary ceremony, just 12 hours after the 2024 presidential debate, former President Donald Trump, Vice President Kamala Harris and President Joe Biden, gathered at the 9/11 Memorial Fountain and shook hands. Just a few hours after this interaction, Biden and Harris visited a fire department in Shanksville, Pennsylvania, where a man handed Biden a “Trump 2024” MAGA (“Make America Great Again”) hat and asked him to autograph and wear it. A video of their visit quickly circulated online, highlighting the moment. Biden put on the hat briefly, while laughing and joking with the people around him (CNN). Junior Miranda Ceja explains her take on what kind of message Harris, Trump and Biden's actions convey to the public.

“It sends [an understanding] of friendship and a kind of unity for the country, ” Ceja said. “Mostly, they are competitors but [they share a desire for solidarity] and how they want to help the country. It was nice of [Harris and Trump] to shake hands and show the respect they have toward each other.”

Many viewers saw the presence of Biden, Trump and Harris at the memorial as a demonstration of compassion and remembrance, despite the political division usually brought upon by elections.Freshman Ayla Lee similarly emphasizes the significance of unity among political leaders, especially during challenging times.

“It is extremely important for political leaders to show unity [today] because they are representing our country and they should help their people get through the tough times,” Lee said. “Gestures of goodwill emphasize the importance of solidarity over rivalry. It can show that compassion sort of paves its way for healing and a more hopeful future. It really [gives] us all reassurance that there can be moments of shared humanity and it reminds us that despite our differences, we can all find common ground.”