9/11 20th anniversary: A time to think of value of freedoms, says Bailiff

Mr McMahon was working in St James Chambers when the attack happened and can clearly remember the feeling of disbelief.

‘As these events played out live on television, the sheer magnitude of the terrorist outrage was almost incomprehensible and the consequences of the planes hitting the twin towers of the World Trade Center could not immediately be imagined,’ he said.

‘Having spent a year studying international law at Cambridge, including a course on the law of armed conflict, I recognised that these attacks were unconventional. There was no state, as such, against which any country could declare war.’

It has left countries and people dealing with long-term consequences.

Mr McMahon visited Ground Zero two summers ago.

‘My impression was that it really is a fitting memorial to the human tragedy that unfolded that day,’ he said.

‘I was on my way to visit the Statue of Liberty. That combination of the effects of terrorism and the symbol of so many freedoms we perhaps too often take for granted was, in some respects, comparable to why we both commemorate and celebrate on Liberation Day. I believe that Ground Zero is a reminder as well of how good ultimately overcomes evil.'

He said now was a time to reflect on Guernsey’s freedoms and values.

‘In doing so, as a compassionate community with a global perspective, our thoughts go out to the families and friends of those who died on the four planes, in the Twin Towers and at the Pentagon,’ he said.

‘We should also spare a thought for the families and friends of those who were killed or injured trying to rescue those in the impact zones and surrounding areas.

‘We should remember all those who have died or suffered injury as a consequence of terrorist activities, wherever and whenever those acts have taken place.

‘Finally, we should all unite in hoping and praying that such incidents never happen again.’