In each of our lives there are events that are so powerful, for good or for bad, that they leave an indelible mark on us as individuals. The same holds true in our national memory. The assassination of President Kennedy, the Challenger disaster and now, the event that took place ten years ago today, are among the those moments when the question “Where were you when you first heard about or saw what was taking place?” is easily answered. I remember EXACTLY where I was, what I was doing and how I responded that morning and I suspect many of you do as well.
We thought long and hard about how best to mark today and realized that, more than anything, today is about honoring the memories of those who were murdered that day and of those brave individuals who lost their lives trying to save others. Today is also about supporting those who were most affected by the events of the 9/11 attacks and for whom it is the daily reality. Today is about remembering the dangers of fanaticism in all its forms and it is a day to remind ourselves that, as individuals and as a nation, we are remarkably resilient.
On September 11, 2001 we saw the worst of what humanity can do but we also saw the best of what people can bring to one another. There were so many acts of bravery that took place that day and there was so much support and kindness shown to one another in the days that followed. So perhaps more than anything else, today is a day when we can recommit ourselves to doing our part to make the world a better place.
This is the only post we will be putting up today as we honor, remember and mark this anniversary.
Feel free to leave your remembrances, comments or thoughts in the comments below. And in keeping with our hope that today is not only a day of mourning but also a day to recommit ourselves to doing more good for one another, if you saw or heard about any acts of kindness in the aftermath of the attacks please consider sharing them.