09/10/2025
As the 24th anniversary of 9/11/01 approaches, we will see many posts titled “Always Remember” “Never Forget”. We should absolutely ALWAYS REMEMBER and NEVER FORGET the innocent people and first responders that died that day, those whose lives were changed forever and those who continue to suffer today.
The sad truth is as the years pass and generations change, 9/11 will just become a date and words. That is evolution and unfortunately cannot be stopped.
However, I would like to look at this from a security standpoint as someone who still works and operates in the protection field, just blocks away and in the shadows of the Freedom Tower and Ground Zero.
As time passes with no significant or immediate overseas terrorist threats, we tend to become complacent. Slogans like “See Something, Say Something” lose meaning and again become words or a punchline. But remember that our Government does not tell us everything. The world is unstable in many ways. We only know what they tell us and what is public information. There is always more going on behind the scenes so we need to be prepared.
What we need to remember and never forget, is the fact that there are still many people who hate the United States of America. They hate the freedoms, policies and politics. They want to do harm to U.S. citizens and make worldwide statements. New York City remains a world target. It always will be. Its symbolic nature is guaranteed to make a world statement. This is not to say that other cities and areas are immune and should let their guard down. The world is a small but complex place. We need to keep abreast of world NEWS and events. We need to keep constant situational awareness. Not only when with our clients and/or ”on duty” but as we move and travel about alone, or with our families and loved ones.
Recent focus has been on domestic terrorism and “Active or Mass Shooter”. We often overlook other forms of terrorism such as public bombings, etc. No one expected two planes to fly into the World Trade Center on 9/11/01 but it happened. We need to always expect the unexpected. Have a plan in our heads that if ANYTHING happens this is what I am going to do. If you work with clients, nannies or families establish a meeting point. Plan on no cellphone service. Plan for power outages, Plan that routes out of the city will be congested as people try to flee. Where are you going to go? What are you going to do? We are hired to protect our clients. It is up to us to worry about these things and have a plan. It’s the clients responsibility to go about their business. Have a plan, discuss it with your client, nannies etc. get everyone on the same page. When and if the time comes, it will be up to you to implement the plan and pivot and adjust accordingly. YOU will be taking the lead, YOU will be keeping them safe. It is up to YOU!
So yes we should Always Remember and Never Forget those lost and affected by 9/11/01, but lets also Always Remember and Never Forget that ANYTHING can happen at any time and we need a plan.