Snowbirds Living in the Philippines : The 25th Anniversary of the September 11, 2001 Terrorist Attacks

Friday, September 11, 2026

The 25th Anniversary of the September 11, 2001 Terrorist Attacks

I have written several postings on this topic. However, my first article on this topic, I titled-What were You Doing that Day that Made the World Trembled- was one of my most popular articles. Here's a repost in case you missed it.

https://discover.hubpages.com/education/the-day-the-world-trembled

Meanwhile, Today, as the nation marks the 25th anniversary of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, families, first responders, and leaders are gathering for remembrance ceremonies in New York City, the Pentagon, and Shanksville. Ahead of the milestone, the Port Authority dedicated a new joint memorial honoring victims of both the 1993 bombing and the 2001 attacks.

Commemorations and Events

New York City Ceremony: Annual reading of the names and moments of silence at the World Trade Center site. Vice President JD Vance is expected to represent the White House in Manhattan, while President Trump plans to mark the anniversary at the Pentagon.

New Memorial Dedication: The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey unveiled a new tribute in Liberty Park honoring agency employees lost in both the February 1993 WTC bombing and the 2001 attacks.

National Services: Additional commemorative events are taking place at the Pentagon in Virginia and the Flight 93 National Memorial in Shanksville, Pennsylvania.

Recent Developments and Releases

New Records Released: Newly publicized government records outline how officials handled public messaging regarding air safety and environmental toxins around lower Manhattan in the immediate aftermath of 2001.

Ongoing Reflection: Museums and historical sites, including the 9/11 Memorial & Museum, are hosting special programs and exhibitions focused on the 25-year legacy of resilience and remembrance.

My Photo of the Day:

Miagao Catholic Church, Miagao, Iloilo, Philippines- A Unesco Site

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About Me

David B. Katague is an online memoirist and cultural essayist whose writing has appeared on HubPages and Blogger since 2007. His work reflects a sustained interest in Filipino heritage, family history, senior living, art, community life, and the cultural meaning found in everyday experience. Through memoir, reflection, and essay, he explores the personal and historical dimensions of identity, memory, and belonging. His writing seeks to preserve lived experience while offering thoughtful commentary on the traditions, values, and social realities that shape individual and collective life. As a Filipino-American writer, he brings a distinctive cultural perspective to his work, drawing on personal experience and careful observation to create writing that is both reflective and engaging. His online essays and memoir pieces continue to document a lifelong commitment to storytelling, cultural understanding, and the written record of experience.

Joys of Retirement

I have been retired from USFDA since 2002. At first, I feel I have lost my identity as an individual or have lost my contribution to society. However, within a few weeks all these feelings were gone. It started when my wife and I started baby sitting one of our grandchildren. As some economics professor states: "Your children are your capital investments, but your grandchildren are your profits. That is why you love your grandchildren more than your children". I really agree with the statement. Retirement also gives you lots of time to do things you like to do, such as your hobbies and of course travel. In my case, I turned my hobby of gardening and landscaping into a small business in the Philippines. This endeavor was planned about five years before 2002. That year my wife and I started construction of our retirement home in Boac, Marinduque , Philippines. The next year we built a beach house, followed by a Conference Hall two years later. Needless to say, planning and executing the landscaping was a challenge and very enjoyable. With the help of local labor, I not only enjoy the time gardening and landscaping, but also help improved the economic situation of the province by providing work and jobs to the local residents. With plenty of time, I have engaged into two specific activities as follows: First, I created a website for my small business. By trial and error, I created and design the website, www.chateaudumer.com I have never been a computer nerd or expert. But with plenty of time and patience, the fruits of my labor could be enjoyed if you visit the website above. The second activity, I have not done before was to utilize on-line activities, such as shopping, paying bills ( save you stamps) and playing computer games in the Internet. I really enjoyed playing duplicate bridge on line. You play with players all over the world and can chat in between games. But be careful, you are not spending too much time in the computer. It is very addictive. With a lots of time, my wife and I devoted more time on our favorite humanitarian project. For the last 15 years, we have been involved with medical mission to the province of Marinduque. For details please visit the website: www.marinduqueinternational.org As a summary, the joy one gets on retirement is very specific for an individual. Some enjoy their free time by learning new activities, getting involved with humanitarian projects or spending more time with their grandchildren. Others hate it, since they missed their former jobs and co-workers. Others with no children still enjoy retirement by traveling, turning their hobbies into business or more community involvement. Of course those that retire and hate it, is believe to die earlier than those that enjoy their retirement years. So, plan your retirement as early as you can. The happier you are on retirement, the longer you will live.