Today we mark the fourteenth anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks on the United States. With airplanes used as weapons, nearly 3000 people died as those planes exploded into the World Trade Center in New York City, the Pentagon in Washington, D.C., and a quiet field in Pennsylvania.
Do you remember how you felt that day?
We watched as brave first responders ran into buildings and crash sites that everyone else was running away from. Firefighters. Police. Emergency Medical Technicians. We heard story after story of incredible bravery as these men and women “simply” did their jobs; trying to save any person they could from further injury and trauma.
We watched news reports of clergy from all faiths spending time in the ashes to comfort the injured and console those who lost family, friends or co-workers. We joined them in their calls for unity, peace and love in a time that could easily have been filled with dissent, violence and hate. Courtesy and caring was the norm as people helped other people.
Do you remember how you felt that day?
We saw images on TV, online, in newspapers and magazines of smoke rising from American soil. We realized that our world would never be the same. Some of you may have, as I did, flown into New York City shortly after the attacks and not only saw the smoldering ash, but also felt it in your heart.
The military were once again our beloved heroes as they went off to war to hunt down Osama bin Laden and his cohorts. Rivals came together at sporting events to celebrate America. Red, white and blue was the color scheme of choice at public events, on front doors, in schools and workplaces around the country. Patriotic songs became popular hits and love of country was flaunted at every opportunity.
Do you remember how you felt that day?
Today, our media is filled with stories of law enforcement and other first responders being killed for no reason other than the uniform they wear. Instead of a unified people of different faiths, religious differences are now the basis of many political campaigns. Smoke rises in our cities as we destroy our own neighborhoods and businesses in protest of real and/or perceived wrongs done to us. Our veterans struggle with the ongoing physical and emotional trauma they endured as they fought for our freedoms.
Across our country, this anniversary will be marked with quiet memorial ceremonies, proud patriotic gatherings, in reverent prayer groups and in solo moments of ponderance as each of us think about the events of 9/11. Beyond remembering the attacks, it’s also an opportunity to once again appreciate our first responders, honor the sacrifices of our military, and share pride in being a member of the American community.
Remember how you felt that day.
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Photo credits: Eleanor E. Biddulph
- Top Left: World Trade Center, October 29, 2000
- Bottom Left: World Trade Center Steel, First Responders’ Park, Westerville, Ohio
- Right: One of 2500+ flags at the Field Of Heroes, Westerville, Ohio
