Fourteen years ago today on a crisp fall morning much like this one, our country lost nearly 3,000 men, women, and children in a horrific terrorist attack aimed at destroying our will and way of life here in America.
For those of us who lived through the tragic events of September 11th, the images from that day are seared in our minds and are not likely to fade with the passing of time.
As we reflect on the events and the lives lost of that day, it's important to remember the heroism and hope that came about as a result of these attacks. Terrorists who sought to break the will of the American people instead rallied a nation, making us more united than at any time in recent history.
On that day first responders, many of whom tragically perished, rushed toward the burning buildings in an effort to save those trapped in the World Trade Towers. We saw images of complete strangers offering help to the wounded, or simply hugging one-another in the streets. The heroes of Flight 93 helped saved the lives of hundreds on the ground.
In the days following the attacks, blood banks had lines that stretched around city blocks. Firefighters, medical professionals, and other first responders flocked from across the nation to New York City hoping they could help in the recovery efforts. Thousands of young men and women were inspired to join the armed forces in order to serve this country and defend the freedoms and way of life that had been attacked on that September day.
These are the heroes that day produced, and the heroes we remember today. I hope we all take a moment today to remember those who lost their lives, and say a prayer for those who have and continue to fight for our freedoms overseas.
We must never forget those we lost and the reminder that day that freedom is not free.
Mark