09/11/2026
Those of us old enough to remember the attacks on September 11, 2001, often tell the story of where we were, but today I'm thinking about what happened in those heart-wrenching days that followed. Even though I was 11 at the time, I can vividly remember witnessing the cohesion, the unity, the compassion, and the bravery of everyday Americans.
I remember watching on TV as first responders risked everything and sacrificed everything to save as many people as possible. I remember learning about the heartbreaking courage of the people on Flight 93, and I think about the people who, in the harrowing months after the attacks, joined our armed services because they believed in the values of this country and were called to serve.
This morning I woke up thinking about all of those things, and I remembered something my Sunday school teacher had us do days after the attacks. She had us write notes of gratitude and support to the first responders working on the remarkable recovery efforts thousands of miles away from us. It was a small act, but it was one a few kids could contribute in such a tragic, scary, and hopeless time.
Today, I hope that in our polarized political environment and chaotic media environment, we can remember how powerful the unity, compassion, and bravery that people displayed across the country, and across the world, were in the face of terror. Never forget.
