Honoring the Memory of 9/11: A Day of Reflection
On the 24th anniversary of the September 11 attacks, a gathering of survivors, families, first responders, and officials took place in Lower Manhattan to remember nearly 3,000 lives lost that tragic day. Eric Shawn, a correspondent, shared his experiences live on “Fox & Friends.”
Shawn revealed that he has been diagnosed with cancer linked to the 9/11 attacks. He mentioned his two diagnoses under the World Trade Center health program, which aids survivors, responders, and others affected by the events in New York, the Pentagon, and Shanksville, Pennsylvania.
“It’s hard to believe that nearly 25 years have passed since radical Islamic terrorism shook our city and our nation,” Shawn noted during the report. He highlighted that the hate behind such ideologies still persists. “Today, we gather to remember what we lost.”
Shawn emphasized that the consequences of that day extend far beyond the immediate tragedy. “While 2,977 people were killed, many more have succumbed to health issues from the toxic dust released during the attacks,” he explained. In fact, the CDC reports that around 48,000 individuals have since reported cancers linked to 9/11, with nearly 10,000 new diagnoses in just the last year.
The health impact has been particularly heavy on first responders. More than 3,700 first responders have died since that day, including 2,300 from cancer. The New York City Fire Department has lost 409 members to illnesses connected to the aftermath of 9/11.
For Shawn, these numbers hit close to home. He suffers from respiratory problems and cancer directly tied to 9/11 but considers himself fortunate. “I think of all those who were taken from us that day and those still suffering. We cannot forget,” he added, urging everyone to unite against the hatred behind such acts.
Shawn’s own health challenges began years after the attacks. He developed a bronchitis-related issue, and this year, he faced a cancer diagnosis. “I’d thought that something might happen in another 20 or 30 years. Well, here we are, 24 years later.”
He concluded with a heartfelt message: “We’re all in this together. We need to support each other.” This day serves as a reminder of the importance of community and remembrance in the face of tragedy.
