The loss of nearly 3,000 innocent lives and the heroism of first responders and ordinary citizens who rushed to help others.

The surge in hate crimes, prejudice, and discrimination against Muslims, Arabs, Sikhs, and others who were scapegoated for the actions of extremists. This included systemic surveillance of mosques, discriminatory policies, and treating entire communities as inherently suspect.

How fear was used to push through legislation like the PATRIOT Act that expanded government surveillance powers with insufficient debate or oversight.

Two decades of military interventions justified by 9/11 that killed hundreds of thousands of civilians, displaced millions, destabilized entire regions, and cost trillions of dollars.

How defense contractors and connected companies made enormous profits from prolonged conflicts while others paid the human costs.

The use of "enhanced interrogation techniques" at places like Abu Ghraib, Guantanamo Bay, and CIA black sites, plus indefinite detention without trial of many later found innocent.

Programs like NSA bulk data collection that used 9/11 to justify unprecedented domestic spying on U.S. citizens.

The Department of Homeland Security and expansion of the surveillance state that normalized intrusive security measures in daily life.

Beyond individual hate crimes, this included systemic surveillance of mosques, discriminatory policies, and treating entire communities as inherently suspect.

Establishing the idea of a permanent "War on Terror" that can justify military action anywhere with minimal oversight.

Policies that made it harder for people fleeing conflicts we helped create to find safety.

Using national security to justify expanded presidential powers and reduced congressional oversight.

How legitimate trauma and anger were channeled into policies that often served interests beyond justice for the victims.

And don't get me started on the damage done to the men and women we put in harm's way. (I'm about to get started; I've waited all year for this.)

Nearly 7,000 killed.

PTSD, depression, anxiety, and other psychological trauma from multiple deployments in combat zones, often with inadequate mental health support.

Veteran suicide rates far exceeding civilian rates, with estimates of 20+ veteran suicides per day at peak periods.

Hundreds of thousands wounded, including traumatic brain injuries from IEDs, amputations, and other life-altering injuries.

Overwhelmed Veterans Affairs hospitals, long wait times, substandard care, and bureaucratic obstacles to getting treatment.

Significant numbers of Iraq and Afghanistan veterans ending up homeless due to untreated mental health issues, unemployment, and lack of support systems.

High rates of divorce, domestic violence, and family dysfunction among military families stressed by repeated deployments.

Health problems from burn pits and other environmental hazards, often with the government initially denying connections.

Difficulty translating military skills to civilian jobs, contributing to higher unemployment rates among veterans.

Self-medication for untreated trauma leading to addiction problems.

If you're going to remember it, remember it all, chums.

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