9/11 a Solemn Day for Most Americans

GALLUP NEWS SERVICE

PRINCETON, NJ -- According to a new USA Today/Gallup poll, more than three in four Americans plan to take time out on Sept. 11 to reflect on the tragic events that occurred on that day six years ago. Most of these say they will recognize it informally, such as by saying a prayer, observing a moment of silence, or watching retrospective news coverage of 9/11, but some will take part in more formal observances, such as by attending a memorial service.

Sept. 11 appears to have had an enduring, but not necessarily deep, impact on the public. Seventy-one percent of U.S. adults describe 9/11 as the most memorable news event of their lifetimes, and 50% believe Americans have permanently changed the way they live as a result; however, only 29% say their own lives are permanently changed.

The percentage perceiving that 9/11 has had a lasting impact on Americans' lives is only slightly lower today than it was six months after the attacks: 50% today, compared with 55% in March 2002.

While the poll finds that Americans are fairly uniform in their perceptions of the impact 9/11 has had on Americans generally, it finds some notable gender differences in those reporting that their own lives have changed. Women, overall, are more likely than men to say their lives have changed (35% vs. 21%), but this is most pronounced among women under 50.

The greatest distinctions in the view that 9/11 is the biggest news story of respondents' lives are by age. Nearly four in five of those 18 to 34 (79%) see it as the top news event, as do 74% of those 35 to 54. While still a majority, the figure drops to 60% among those 55 and older.

According to the Sept. 7-8, 2007, survey, Americans widely believe the level of attention given to the anniversary of 9/11 is warranted, if not insufficient. About half the public says Americans do the right amount to recognize the anniversary; 29% say they do too little, while just 16% say they do too much.

People who define their political views as "conservative" are more than twice as likely as "liberals" -- 38% vs. 16% -- to say Americans do too little.

Survey Methods

Results are based on telephone interviews with 1,028 national adults, aged 18 and older, conducted Sept. 7-8, 2007. For results based on the total sample of national adults, one can say with 95% confidence that the maximum margin of sampling error is ±3 percentage points.

For results based on the 510 national adults in the Form A half-sample and 518 national adults in the Form B half-sample, the maximum margins of sampling error are ±5 percentage points.

In addition to sampling error, question wording and practical difficulties in conducting surveys can introduce error or bias into the findings of public opinion polls.

14. As a result of the September 11th terrorist attacks, do you think Americans have permanently changed the way they live, or not?

BASED ON 510 NATIONAL ADULTS IN FORM A

15. As a result of the September 11th terrorist attacks, have you permanently changed the way you live, or not?

BASED ON 518 NATIONAL ADULTS IN FORM B

16. Do you consider the September 11th terrorist attacks to be the most memorable news event of your lifetime, or not?

18. Generally speaking, do you think Americans do -- [ROTATED: too much, the right amount, or too little] -- to recognize the anniversary of the September 11th terrorist attacks?