THIS MONTH IN KOREAN AMERICAN HISTORY - SEPT 2024

Mourners place flowers in the name cut-out of Kyung Hee (Casey) Cho at the National September 11 Memorial and Museum in New York. | John Minchillo/AP Photo

THIS MONTH IN KOREAN AMERICAN HISTORY- SEPT 2024

By SHARON STERN

We can’t and shouldn’t get through September without remembering the events of 9/11.  September 11, 2001 was a date in history that affected New York more than any other place in this country or the world.  Almost 3,000 people lost their lives and among them were 28 Koreans.  For those born after 9/11, the date may be more like a history lesson to remember.  For those of us that were alive, we will never be able to forget it.

The events of that day changed lives around the world in a multitude of profound ways.  They changed how we travel.  They changed how people look at one another.  They changed how people in this country feel about security and vulnerability.  They changed our respect for those willing to run towards disaster, ignoring personal consequences, in order to save and help others.  And for New Yorkers, they changed the literal fabric of the city and the rhythm of its heartbeat.

The death of 28 Koreans on 9/11 impacted the Korean community in New York in painful ways.  The loss of family and loved ones caused emotional trauma that is not easy for Koreans to talk about because of cultural stigmas surrounding mental health issues.  This meant that many people suffered silently.  Although time is a healer, of sorts, painful memories of loss still persist.

KCCNYC will always stand with New York’s Korean community, with survivors and families of the victims, with the first responders and those that continue to tell their stories so that we will not forget.