Sarah Peters | United Nations Information Center, Washington D.C
The United Nations Information Center (UNIC) in Washington, along with the Secretary-General and the rest of the UN system, stands in solidarity with the victims of terrorism by recognizing August 21st as the International Day of Remembrance and Tribute to the Victims of Terrorism. This year, the theme “United for Hope: Collective Actions for Victims of Terrorism” emphasizes the hope that emerges when victims come together to transform pain into purpose and drive meaningful change. Every day, innocent civilians across the globe become victims of senseless acts of violence and have to live through the repercussions of the attacks. On September 11, 2001, the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center in New York City left significant and lasting health impacts on citizens of the United States of America. In addition to the security implications, for years following the attack, the first responders on the scene, recovery healthcare workers, and survivors have suffered from long-term effects including respiratory illnesses, cancers, and mental health conditions like PTSD. The terrorist attacks that took place on September 11th forever changed American culture and society in a myriad of ways.
© The Oklahoma City National Memorial and Museum | A photograph of the Gallery of Honor in the Oklahoma City National Memorial and Museum honoring the victims of the Oklahoma City terrorist attack in 1995
On April 19, 1995, America’s deadliest act of domestic terrorism forever changed Oklahoma City, resulting in the death of 168 people including five Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) employees and 19 children. In addition, 680 people were injured and countless lives were forever changed. The United Nations Information Center interviewed Kari Watkins, the president and CEO of the Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum, to spotlight local activists who are driving the movement to keep the victims of terrorism alive through museum curatorship…