9/11: Twenty Years Later

Twenty years. In some ways it seems like just yesterday; in other ways, a lifetime ago. Most people remember exactly what they were doing when they first heard the news; I was no exception. A beautiful fall morning soon turned into hours and days riveted to the television, watching and rewatching the horrors unfold. While the foundation of hatred for our country existed long before the attacks, a new reality dawned as we saw history take place before our eyes: there are some who truly despise America and what she stands for, and they are willing to do whatever possible to crush our spirit, if not destroy us completely. With the indelible images of twisted steel and smoldering flames came fear of the unknown, shattered dreams, and diminishing freedoms. But with them also came a new generation of Americans – those flooding recruitment offices on September 12th, ready and determined to take the fight to the enemy, whatever the cost.

So today, we remember: all who perished in the World Trade Centers, at the Pentagon, in a lonely field in Shanksville, Pennsylvania, and all who have since died, whether from ground zero’s toxic dust or on the field of battle. And we are forever grateful for those with fervent hearts of patriotism and spines of steel who have fought, and continue to fight, for all that we hold dear.

*Firefighters and military personnel unfurl an American flag at the Pentagon, September 12th, 2001 (source)