09/11/2020
“Time is passing. Yet, for the United States of America, there will be no forgetting September the 11th. We will remember every rescuer who died in honor. We will remember every family that lives in grief. We will remember the fire and ash, the last phone calls, the funerals of the children.” – George W. Bush
There is certainly no single statement or quote that could pay tribute to what September the 11th means to any of us. The true spirit of human nature can be enduring, courageous, boundless, and can survive the test of time. In the face of unimaginable tragedy our characters can be broken, we may lose faith, we may lose confidence, feel down and defeated. But there’s comfort in knowing we can look to those who have sacrificed, to those who have survived, to those whose resolve is unparalleled, and in them, find the strength to persevere. Like a Phoenix, we rise from the ashes in spectacular fashion, a beacon, a force to be reckoned with.
“September 11, 2001 revealed heroism in ordinary people who might have gone through their lives never called upon to demonstrate the extent of their courage.” - Geraldine Brooks
We are blessed to have these heroes among us. Heroes whose extraordinary acts of selflessness demand honor and respect, not just today, but every day. September 11th is a time for reflection, but we still look forward, remembering the events of the past. Remembering to appreciate the things that we may take for granted. Remembering to appreciate each other. Remembering that spirit can be broken, but not defeated. Remembering to honor and respect those who lost their lives to the tragic events of that day, to honor and respect their families and loved ones, and to honor and respect those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedoms. We will never forget.
“If we learn nothing else from this tragedy, we learn that life is short and there is no time for hate.” - Sandy Dahl, wife of Flight 93 pilot Jason Dahl
