FLASH FRIDAY is a weekly content series looking at the past, present and future of capital markets trading and technology. FLASH FRIDAY is sponsored by Instinet, a Nomura company.
Saturday marks 20 years since the 9/11 terrorist attacks on the U.S. that claimed 2,996 lives and changed New York City and the U.S. forever.
Everyone remembers where they were on that brilliantly sunny morning, which in some ways feels like 200 years ago, and in other ways feels like two years ago.
Traders Magazine has no proper words, just heartfelt condolences to the people who lost mothers, fathers, sons, daughters, wives, husbands, and friends on that fateful day.
Of course, the trading industry was particularly hard-hit, as financial firms such as Cantor Fitzgerald, Marsh & McLennan, Aon Corp., Fiduciary Trust, and Fred Alger Management were all located in the World Trade Center in Lower Manhattan.
Traders Magazine has covered 9/11 and its aftermath from the prism of the trading industry. The October 2001 issue, back when Traders still published print magazines, was a full-issue tribute to the fallen.
In Sept. 2011, Traders Magazine covered a remembrance event. From that article:
“On the tenth anniversary of 9/11, about 200 trading professionals gathered at Fordham University to commemorate and reflect upon the memories of former colleagues, friends and loved ones who perished that day in the Twin Towers.
One consistent message throughout the day’s services was that the horrific events should never be forgotten. However, the main theme was about healing: Those who still require healing from the tragedy need to forgive and make compassion a focus in order to move on and lead productive lives. Overall, it was a day of introspection and of remembrance….
At the remembrance event, (retired trading executive John) Tognino recalled how the trading industry across the country was united after the attacks. He said it was inspiring how competing firms reached out to others in New York to offer assistance. At the time, Tognino was an executive at Nasdaq. He also discussed the heroism that day and the emotional toll on people that remains. Healing is still needed, he said, and that was the impetus for yesterday’s services. “They will always be with us,” he added, speaking of the attacks’ victims.”
Well said, Mr. Tognino. Those six words are as poignant and meaningful today as they were 10 years ago.
