September 11 - 20 Years On

[This is a reupload, originally published on September 11, 2021] Twenty-six Australian military veterans share their memories of September 11, 2001, the day that changed the world. Life on the Line tracks down Australian military veterans and records their stories. The 9/11 terrorist attacks sent a generation to war. As we approach the 20-year anniversary of 9/11, Australia has finally withdrawn our last members of the defence force from Afghanistan. At home, we’re watching the Royal Commission into Veteran Suicide get underway. And Afghanistan has fallen so quickly to the Taliban, who have reclaimed territory that 41 Australians fought and died in. There is a lot of conversation in the media about why we went to war in Afghanistan and what’s happening now we’re gone - from all the good we achieved there to questions of now, in the end, was it all worth it? Whatever you think the answer is, when reflecting on any conflict, they’re necessary questions. But while the public conversation and reflection continues, it’s important to remember the zeitgeist in 2001 and the impact of that day. So, in time for the 20-year anniversary, we’ve taken clips from a range of podcasts we’ve recorded over the last 5 years, to remember. This podcast features 26 voices of Australian military veterans and their memories of September 11. The returning guests include: #3 Garth Callender #8 Sarah Turner and Michael Wright #10 Eddie Robertson #13 Elizabeth Matthews #16 Chris May #25 Paul de Gelder #26 Allison Norris #28 Mark Wales #31 Dr Dan Pronk Vol I #33 Tracy Smart #36 Mark Donaldson VC #43 Dan Keighran VC #44 Mick Bainbridge #47 Bram Connolly #54 ‘H’ Vol I #56 James Medley #68 Harry Moffitt #76 Sarah Watson #82 John Cantwell Vol I #87 Jeremy Holder #92 Dean Parkinson Vol I #100 Gary Wilson #101 Bob Hunter #109 Keith Wolahan #114 Bruce McLennan