Remembering September 11, 2001: Let Us Never Forget
18 years have passed since that horrific day on September 11th, 2001 -- and even after 18 years I can still remember how that day as if it was yesterday. September 11th, 2001 is a day that fundamentally changed all of our lives. And although on 9/11 we knew our lives had changed most likely forever, we at that time didn't yet really know how much they would change. And many of those changes have become the "new normal" for us. And I've found that even thought it's been 18 years, in some ways when this day comes around, I'm more emotional today and I was then... maybe because some of the shock of that day has worn off... so all that's left is emotion.
The memories of one of the darkest days in American history 18 years later remain crystal clear in my mind's eye. It still feels like yesterday that we were witnessing the events of September 11, 2001 unfold. I still remember the first shock, I still remember the fear that came with not being able to reach friends and family by phone (especially those who worked in or near the Twin Towers). I still remember getting through the day without a lot of emotion -- just shock -- and suddenly around 6:00 pm starting to weep. Here we are, 18 years later, marking another anniversary of that tragic day. It feels like yesterday. And I think it will always feel like yesterday to me. And I doubt I will be less emotional on this day in the years to come.
One day 9/11 will become "ancient" history to future generations (already 20% of Americans have no memory of that day). But so long as those of us who lived through that day are around, WE MUST NEVER FORGET! And I for one know, I could never forget! And today, 18 years later, tears still come to my eyes when I think of that day.
I Had A Personal Relationship With The Twin Towers
New York City is my "home town" and I knew the Twin Towers well, having often walked through their doors for business meetings when I was still working in the corporate world. But even before that, I remember watching those two towers be built. We celebrated my mother's 70th birthday there in 1989 on the top of the building. My husband and I had flown in from Paris, where we were living at the time, and to surprise her. It was such a fun and happy evening, never to be forgotten.
The first time I returned to NYC after the towers fell, driving in from the airport was surreal seeing the skyline without the towers in the distance. I can't forget my shock coming out of the subway at the foot of the old World Trade Center and seeing a big hole in the ground instead the towers. And no matter how many times I came out of that subway station to see that hole in the ground, it remained a shock to me.
To those many who lost a loved one that day, my heart and prayers continue to go out to you. I know you suffered losses that can never be replaced. Today, on the 18th anniversary of 9/11, let's take a moment to remember all the heroes of that day -- both those who perished and those who survived. Let's make sure these deaths were not in vain.
And as we look back, today is also a good day to take a moment today to reflect on the things that are most important in our lives and to remember that through tragedy we have the opportunity to rise even stronger.
LET US NEVER FORGET
"September 11 is one of our worst days, but it brought out the best in us. It unified us as a country and showed our charitable instincts and reminded us of what we stood for and stand for."
Senator Lamar Alexander
"September 11th impressed upon us that life is a precious gift... and I think we all have a duty to devote at least a small portion of our daily lives to ensuring that neither American nor the the world ever forgets September 11th."
Senator Bill Frist
"9/11 - a day to remember that extraordinary heroes are often disguised as ordinary people and that spirit and soul are unbreakable."
Stacey Alcorn
"Time is passing. Yet for the United States of America, there will be no forgetting September the 11th. We will remember every rescuer who died in honor. We will remember every family that lives in grief. We will remember the fire and ash, the last phone calls, the funerals of the children."
President George W. Bush
LET US NEVER FORGET
LET'S ALWAYS REMEMBER THAT THE PRICE OF FREEDOM IS ETERNAL VIGILANCE
and...
LET'S ALWAYS REMEMBER THAT FREEDOM IS NOT FREE!
May God Bless Those Who Died, Their Families And May God Bless America On This Anniversary And Every Day To Come!
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