Today marks the 17th anniversary of the day our country experienced the worst terrorist attack in our nation’s history. September 11 2001. It is one of those days where the experience never leaves you. Many say they remember every detail of where they were and what they were doing when they heard the news.
President Roosevelt referred to the attack on Pearl Harbor as “the day that will live in infamy”. September 11 2001 is that for our generation.
Tragedies and trauma can bring out the best in us. As the days and weeks unfolded after the event, we learned of acts of kindness and generosity toward our nation from all over the world. School children in North Carolina raised money to replace a fire truck and donated it to a fire station in New York City. Over 25,000 Canadians traveled to New York to help with the cleanup. Cities and towns from all over the country donated resources to help the victims, families, and the areas most affected by this horrific act of violence.
As I think back on that day, I take comfort in remembering the resilience and strength of our people and communities. I am grateful for the bravery of first responders that place themselves in harms way, hoping to save a life. And, I am inspired by family members of victims that honored their loved ones by forming charities to help future trauma victims.
As we mark the 17th anniversary of the events of September 11, 2001, remember the lives lost, the bravery of many, and the generous outpouring of compassion shown toward the victims, their families and our nation.