The Memory of 9/11: How Long Does History Stay Relevant?

The events of September 11, 2001, have deeply etched themselves into the consciousness of people worldwide, but when do they officially become history? Is it after 19 years or 20 years? This article explores the concept of time and significance in the context of historical events, using the example of 9/11 to illustrate the evolving nature of its relevance.

When Does an Event Become a Chapter in History?

The moment I first sensed the feeling of "oldness" was when I found a history book that detailed events I had witnessed and remembered in my younger sister's book. To many, events that happened yesterday immediately become part of history. However, my question is more about when an event of significance becomes ancient enough to warrant a substantial chapter in a history book, and when it fades to a mere footnote in the annals of history.

It Depends on the Author's Focus

I regret having to respond with "It depends," but the truth is, it does depend on the author's focus. There is no institution that determines what is considered history. Each author makes a decision to focus on a specific time period and place, and then selects events that had a significant impact on that timeframe. An author writing about the history of Afghanistan might not mention the events of 9/11 unless the book covers the 21st century and needs to explain the roots of the wars that followed. Similarly, books about recent American history often discuss the U.S. Constitution due to its ongoing relevance in politics. Authors of such books might find it necessary to include the Declaration of Independence and the Revolutionary War to explain the origin of the Constitution, but unless the book covers the late 18th century, specific events from earlier colonial times are typically left out.

9/11 in the Lens of History

Anticipating the next 50 to 100 years, history books are expected to provide detailed accounts of 9/11, covering the 'who, what, and why' of the event and its impact on life in America and the world at large. Eventually, the significance of 9/11 may either fade or become so routine that people no longer consider the connections between the past and the present. At this point, 9/11 will be mentioned as one of the significant events in American history, much like the Civil War, World War II, the Cold War, the Great Depression, and other pivotal events.

Remembering is for Those Who Were There; Explaining for Those Who Aren't

Every adult who experienced these events can recall their exact location and what they were doing when they heard about Pearl Harbor, the assassination of JFK, and 9/11. However, for those born later, these events are a mystery. Future historians will need to provide explanations of what happened in the past and why it is still relevant today. Over time, the impacts of these and most other historical events on contemporary life will diminish. As historians discuss an increasing number of subsequent events, they will have less space to devote to older events.

Finding Balance in Memory and History

Capturing the transition from immediate memory to historical context requires a nuanced understanding. 9/11 is a stark reminder of this balance. It is a moment in history that is not only significant in its own right but also marks a turning point in global politics and culture. It is a concept, a memory, and a symbol. Each year, as time passes, the event becomes more the subject of historical reflection rather than daily, immediate memory.

In conclusion, the process of an event becoming part of history is both personal and collective. It is a journey from the immediate to the remembered, and from the crucially relevant to the merely historical. However, the spirit, the impact, and the legacy of 9/11 will always remain strongly felt and remembered.