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Bound by loss, split on justice: 9/11 families reflect 24 years later September 11, 20255:00 AM ET Heard on Morning Edition Sacha Pfeiffer For the full article, see: https://www.npr.org/2025/09/11/nx-s1-5484127/9-11-families-justice-plea-deal < The 9/11 terrorism case is in limbo. So are the victim families. To listen or read the transcript, click here: https://www.npr.org/transcripts/nx-s1-5537085

September 11, 2025 Dear Friends and Supporters of September Eleventh Families for Peaceful Tomorrows, With the approach of next year’s 25th anniversary of the deaths of our loved ones in the terrorist attacks, I find myself still trying to make sense of everything that this profound loss has meant for my own life and for my family. I joined September Eleventh Families for Peaceful Tomorrows just last year, a bit sheepish that I hadn’t known about the group earlier. My sister, Cathy Salter, a vice president at AON insurance, was killed in the South Tower of the World Trade Center on 9/11.   As a member of Peaceful Tomorrows, I participated in monthly discussion meetings, became a member of the Rule of Law Committee and considered what the current situation in Guantánamo means to me and to my grief. I had the opportunity last year to travel to Guantánamo and witness firsthand the military hearings. So much happened this past year at Guantánamo: plea agreements were reached for the defendants. This was a hugely emotional event because some families continue to favor trials, despite the accompanying uncertainties. In the meantime, we advocate for the clearer closure of guilty pleas with allocution. The plea agreements were short-lived, however, when the U.S. Secretary of Defense canceled them, a decision recently upheld. This means the process for taking the defendants to trial will continue to grind on. I encourage you to learn more by visiting our website .  Dedicated members of Peaceful Tomorrows are willing to engage with the complexity and pain of the ongoing military tribunal hearings, and I have forged nascent friendships. Joining this group has helped me better understand the current situation and move from grieving in isolation to connecting with others facing a similar burden. I am grateful for this organization that stands united in building a path through our individual and collective grief that leads to peace and justice. The work of Peaceful Tomorrows relies on the support of people like you, with whom our message and our mission resonate. With your support we have grown to a membership of over 250 and we continue speaking out for peace and justice.   Please consider an end-of-year donation to support our continued advocacy. Together in Peace, Cynthia Salter - Sister of Cathy Salter

August 6th, 2025 12-7pm, Dewey Square, 572 Atlantic Ave Boston, MA Peaceful Tomorrows is happy to co-sponsor the 80th commemoration event with Massachusetts Peace Action and will be tabling at the event . https://masspeaceaction.org/event/boston-hiroshima-nagasaki-80th-anniversary-commemoration/

Statement from September 11th Families for Peaceful Tomorrows July 28, 2025 As family members and friends of those lost in the attacks of September 11, 2001, we understand the depth of grief and trauma that violence inflicts. Since October 7th, 2023, we have seen endless violence, civilian casualties, and continued escalation. No strategy can justify the deliberate denial of food, water, and medical aid to a civilian population. Israelis and Palestinians call the same land their home and no one should have to live in a constant state of fear and uncertainty. We know that war is not a way to win lasting peace. We call on all parties involved to implement an immediate ceasefire, end the blockade so resources can reach Gaza's starving population, and a return of all hostages.  A diplomatic and peaceful resolution must be reached, one that ensures the safety and well-being of all people in the region, only then, can we begin a truly committed process of reconciliation. We understand that answering violence with more violence entrenches division and deepens human suffering. Let us instead choose life, humanity, and peace.

August 6, 2025 On this, the eightieth remembrance of the atomic bombs dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki, we reach across the oceans to share your grief.  The Hibakusha have tirelessly guided the world toward sanity, the elimination of nuclear weapons whose sole purpose is to cause unfathomable harm and death to entire populations of civilians and our planet.  They have been speaking to the world about the unthinkable horrors of atomic weapons. They know that the people of the world must understand what atomic weapons actually do to people and the environment. They also know that continued blaming for the wrongs we have done to one another will never lead us out of the terrible round of death and destruction that, in fact, threatens to destroy the world. We recall our long relationship with the Hibakusha , who were the first to reach out to recognize the members of September Eleventh Families For Peaceful Tomorrows.  We remember fondly the warmth of many peace activists, and friendships formed with the hope of increased peace. We stand together, watching the world at a very dangerous time, praying that the lesson has been learned. We have a responsibility to remember history and learn from it. The fate of the earth and all its peoples depends on our leaders to choose a non-violent path.  We must not be silent.  We can choose kindness. We can make choices for the global good. There is another way, if only our leaders are courageous enough to choose it. Our collaboration will continue toward a common goal: What happened at Hiroshima and Nagasaki must never happen again and there must be no more weapons of mass destruction.

July 11, 2025 Statement from September 11 th  Families for Peaceful Tomorrows on the DC Circuit Court's Ruling Invalidating Pre-Trial Agreements Made With Three of the 9/11 Accused Peaceful Tomorrows has this to say about the D.C. Circuit's ruling today: 'It ain't over til it's over'. The court's split decision amplifies a flawed military commissions process, one we have spent years witnessing in deep frustration. Last July, 9/11 family members received word that three of the defendants had agreed to plead guilty in the case. For the first time in 24 years, there was a partial end in sight. Days later, that was revoked. 9/11 family members today are no closer to judicial finality than we were at the arraignment in 2012. In fact, we may be further away. If any of the five defendants die before a conviction or recognized guilty plea, history will record them as legally not guilty, negating accountability for the murder of 2,976 persons.  What the D.C. Circuit’s ruling does today is further remind every victim family member that they may themselves die before seeing justice for their loved one. Already, far too many 9/11 family members have experienced that fate. Justice delayed is justice denied. Whether by trial or plea agreement the end will certainly be the same for the defendants - life imprisonment. Twenty four years is enough waiting.

June 22, 2025 Statement from September 11th Families for Peaceful Tomorrows on the U.S. Bombing of Iran President Trump justified the June 21st bombing of Iran as " bold, decisive action against Iran — the world’s leading state sponsor of terrorism." As relatives of those killed in the 9/11 terrorist attacks, the members of September 11th Families for Peaceful Tomorrows have learned a great deal about trying to end terrorism with war. IT DOES NOT WORK. Today Afghanistan remains under the control of the Taliban, despite U.S. boots on the ground for two decades. Years of deadly military action in Iraq brought a branch of Al Qaeda to that nation where it had not previously existed. In the years following the invasion of Iraq, outrage over U.S. warfare led to the multiplication of branches of Al Qaeda throughout the Middle East and beyond. We unequivocally condemn the U.S. decision to enter the war that Israel initiated with Iran, a war that was already dependent on a supply of U.S. weapons and fuel . The June 21st U.S. bombings violate international law and the laws of war and will further weaken the post-WWII United Nations charter order, threatening greater international chaos and conflict. At home, they further erode our Constitution, which empowers Congress, and not the President, to declare war. Our thoughts and concerns lie with the innocent civilians of Iran, caught in an international conflict not of their making. They are and will continue to be the victims of the fighting, dying in great numbers and losing their homes and livelihoods. U.S. military aggression will profoundly hinder their striving for democracy, women’s rights, and human rights.

From the Rule of Law Committee:     On May 8 we were fortunate to hear from three powerful, fully informed members of Septembers 11th Families for Peaceful Tomorrows: Colleen Kelly, Terry K. Rockefeller and Aidan Salamone. Supported by a power point slideshow they discussed their experiences over the years visiting the Guantánamo Bay Naval Base to witness the ongoing pretrial hearings of the alleged planners of the 9/11 attacks. The webinar was moderated by Prof. William Hudon, Chair of "The Friends of Peaceful Tomorrows."      CLICK HERE  to listen to the recording.    How to Join "The Friends of Peaceful Tomorrows":    The Friends are excited to be part of Peaceful Tomorrows (PT)! At the moment, we have nine persons enrolled. We are actively seeking many more. We are working to attract new members, and we would welcome all PT members, and all those who receive this newsletter, to solicit friends, neighbors, co-workers, prominent persons in your community, etc., to consider joining the Friends of PT. If you have potential recommendations, but are unsure of how to proceed, please contact Elizabeth Miller  (Project Director), or William V. Hudon  (Chair of "The Friends of Peaceful Tomorrows"), who is currently coordinating activities of the Friends. "The Friends" are currently drafting a mission statement and charter, to be presented to PT for approval and endorsement. We are also engaged in developing ideas for activities and events coinciding with PT's 25th anniversary year, beginning in 2027. We are also thinking about how we can use the expertise of the Friends to assist in the creation of educational materials for the PT website related to 9/11, and to nonviolent responses to international issues.    From the Fundraising Committee:    In addition to sponsoring runners in marathons, the committee is exploring foundations and others sources of income together with "The Friends of Peaceful Tomorrows." At the same time, we're thinking about how to mark our upcoming 25th Anniversary.

DONT WALK Charity Fashion Show   September Eleventh Families for Peaceful Tomorrows  was chosen to receive the proceeds of this year's DONT WALK Charity Fashion Show , along with Doctors Without Borders. Our Project Director, Elizabeth Miller, made sure to show our support of the Scottish charity by attending the fashion show held at University of St. Andrews on March 15th.  DONT WALK  was founded in the aftermath of 9/11 by a group of international students at the University of St Andrews who sought to respond to the harrowing attacks from thousands of miles away. At its core, DONT WALK originates in the desire to come together in the face of unspeakable injustice and adversity throughout the world. Their main goal, since inception was and still is, to make a positive impact on the world. DONT WALK was founded on the principle of not walking past problems in society, but instead taking action through artistic expression to raise awareness of global issues. Members committed to the organization refuse to remain complacent during times of discrimination, oppression and adversity.    After her return to the U.S. Liz reported that it was wonderful to meet our DONT WALK partners and see their dedicated goal of creating a more positive world come to life through artistic expression during the fashion show. CLICK HERE  to read the interview.  ________________________________________________________________   From the Islamophobia Committee:      Robyn B. Donati, Co-Chair of the Islamophobia Committee, has been reaching out to local and international Palestinian and Israeli peace advocacy groups that are trying to nurture peace through person to person connections.  These organizations are having open dialogues, by building bridges within their own communities, striving to re-establish old connections and by holding listening sessions to hear each other’s stories to find common ground. All this work is led by the hope of, one day, finding enough shared values to build a path toward peace. The goal is to make connections with these groups to support their work toward ending civilian casualties and war by sharing our own experiences and knowledge.      On APRIL 29  - A JOINT MEMORIAL CEREMONY  Choosing Humanity, Choosing Hope      Together with the Parents Circle- Families Forum and Combatants for Peace, September Eleventh Families for Peaceful Tomorrows proudly co-sponsors this event.      CLICK HERE  to register.

September Eleventh Families for Peaceful Tomorrows present a new webinar:      The discussion focused on the ever changing and current situation of "The 9/11 Case at Guantánamo." We heard some truly powerful, fully informed, genuinely extraordinary voices: Terry Rockefeller, Colleen Kelly, Aidan Salamone and Elizabeth Miller.       The discussion was moderated by Prof. William Hudon,  Chair of the "Friends of Peaceful Tomorrows"   CLICK HERE to view the recording! Passcode: k8kV$v0m Registration is required, once you register, the webinar recording should be available to you. Any issues? Email us at info@peacefultomorrows.org

April 29th, 2025 We are honored to be co-sponsoring tomorrow's Joint Memorial Ceremony together with Combatants for Peace and the Parents Circle-Families Forum. For years, this ceremony has transformed narratives, challenging cycles of violence and reminding the world that reconciliation is not only necessary but within reach. With the participation of powerful voices from both societies and across the globe, we come together to grieve, to remember, and to insist on a different path forward. Pre-register for the Memorial virtual broadcast on April 29th, at 1:30pm

March 25th, 2025 Since 2016 members of Peaceful Tomorrows have travelled to Guantanamo as Non-Government Observers to monitor legal proceedings in the 9/11 case and other cases. It has been invaluable in educating our members, connecting with other NGOs that share our goals, and informing our advocacy with government officials and the public. In early 2024, the number of NGO representatives permitted at Guantanamo was reduced by half.  Then on February 6, 2025 the entire NGO program was suspended. We are extremely grateful to Mr. Ammar al-Baluchi’s defense team for filing a motion arguing for the necessity of the NGO observers’ presence to ensure that the military commissions’ proceedings are public and transparent. They included Peaceful Tomorrows’ statement in their motion which can be found on the Military Commissions website, or read here.