Remembering that horrific attack on the twin towers in 2001

I still clearly remember September 11 some 20 years ago when a sub-editor in our editorial office looked up to the television we had mounted on the wall.
It was always on, during working hours, and mainly tuned in to news channels.
The sub let out a gasp and shouted, to no one in particular, “you’ve got to come and see this.”
We crowded round the television, unable to take in what was unfolding before our eyes.
The date was September 11, 2001, forever afterwards to be known as 9/11.
That horrific attack on the twin towers in New York shook the world and the following month Britain joined its international allies in invading Afghanistan.
Now the final British troops have left that country and, surprise, surprise, the Taliban have seized control again.
I don’t know whether this is the correct decision because, believe it or not, I am not fully up to speed on such international affairs.
But I do know that many countries and forces have attempted to “rule” Afghanistan over the centuries, and all have failed and retreated.
I’ll be interested to hear the views of Bil, my brother-in-law, when we next meet up. He was a career soldier who completed 37 years’ service including a tour in Afghanistan from April 30 to November 3, 2008.
The family was understandably concerned about his six months in Kandahar. I am pleased to say he returned unscathed, other than having sore knees.
This, apparently, was due to having to throw himself under the nearest table on multiple occasions as the Taliban lobbed rockets and grenades into the camp.
In order to provide him with some regular news from the UK I wrote my first email or e-Bluey to him on May 1, the day after he left the country. Bluey’s were armed forces' slang for letters home; e-Bluey’s were the email version.
I managed to write three or four a week for the six months and my last one was on November 1.
Bil replied on November 2: “Last day. Flying home tonight, RAF willing. Whooopeeeee!!!! Thank you very much for keeping me sane (You will find out when I get back if that is true!) with all your emails and e-blueys, it has been really appreciated.”
And what we, his family, all appreciated was his safe return.