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Magic + Loss
The Day After 9/11

The Day After 9/11

Virginia Heffernan's avatar
Virginia Heffernan
Sep 11, 2021
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Magic + Loss
Magic + Loss
The Day After 9/11
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a wilted rose on reflective surface

FOR 18 YEARS, I’ve believed that only immediate mourners—and those who came close to losing their own lives—should be allowed to talk about 9/11.

This conviction started with good intentions. I wanted the story to belong to those who had truly suffered.

But over the years too many others appear to have made the same resolution. Now it often seems that no …

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