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Presentation Type

Presentation

Full Name of Faculty Mentor

Shari Orisich, History

Major

History

Presentation Abstract

For the past 21 years, Americans have utilized the phrase "Never Forget" to commemorate the horrific events of September 11, 2001. Often unheard of by most Americans is the events of September 11, 1973, in Chile, a day when thousands of Chileans bared witness to the CIA-backed coup of Salvador Allende, their democratically elected president. This coup, supported by the United States, had forced the nation into a dictatorship led by Augusto Pinochet, resulting in much pain and anguish for Chileans. September 11, 2001, though separated by time and place, resonated with Chileans as they too had experienced similar horrors, searching for their loved ones through utter madness and debris. Though both Americans and Chileans have struggled to understand the truths behind these events, Chileans have especially struggled due to the United States' failure to acknowledge their involvement in the coup and claim any responsibility for the horrors that transpired under Pinochet's dictatorship. This paper examines American determination to "Never Forget," applying its meaning to the events in Chile and to Chileans who experienced what they know to be "The first September 11th." Through this examination, it becomes apparent that the United States' neglect of Chilean history and memory not only furthered the divide between these two nations, additionally revealing the hypocrisy of the 'Never Forget' mantra, but that this failed acknowledgment has hindered Chile's ability to form a collective memory around the tragic events of September 11, 1973, and truly commemorate this moment in their history.

Location

Room 3 (BRTH 114)

Start Date

13-4-2022 1:10 PM

End Date

13-4-2022 1:30 PM

Disciplines

History

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Apr 13th, 1:10 PM Apr 13th, 1:30 PM

Never Forget: The Two 9/11s and the Power of Memory

Room 3 (BRTH 114)

For the past 21 years, Americans have utilized the phrase "Never Forget" to commemorate the horrific events of September 11, 2001. Often unheard of by most Americans is the events of September 11, 1973, in Chile, a day when thousands of Chileans bared witness to the CIA-backed coup of Salvador Allende, their democratically elected president. This coup, supported by the United States, had forced the nation into a dictatorship led by Augusto Pinochet, resulting in much pain and anguish for Chileans. September 11, 2001, though separated by time and place, resonated with Chileans as they too had experienced similar horrors, searching for their loved ones through utter madness and debris. Though both Americans and Chileans have struggled to understand the truths behind these events, Chileans have especially struggled due to the United States' failure to acknowledge their involvement in the coup and claim any responsibility for the horrors that transpired under Pinochet's dictatorship. This paper examines American determination to "Never Forget," applying its meaning to the events in Chile and to Chileans who experienced what they know to be "The first September 11th." Through this examination, it becomes apparent that the United States' neglect of Chilean history and memory not only furthered the divide between these two nations, additionally revealing the hypocrisy of the 'Never Forget' mantra, but that this failed acknowledgment has hindered Chile's ability to form a collective memory around the tragic events of September 11, 1973, and truly commemorate this moment in their history.