Time has past since that fateful September morning when tragedy struck from the air. As the entire world stood in stunned disbelief, calamitous horror played itself out in New York City, Washington, DC and the fields of Shanksville, Pennsylvania. In a matter of moments, our world came tumbling down – and forever changed.

Yet from one of the deepest, darkest hours in America’s history arose some of America’s finest moments. Working quickly and selflessly, policemen, firemen and fellow citizens helped save thousands of people from death and destruction. Thousands of courageous men and woman risked their lives, many in fact lost their lives, helping to get others out of harm’s way. We must never forget their heroism.

Banding together, all sorts of people from every walk of life chipped in to help their fellow man. Working together, these valiant men and women risked their lives in order to save those of others. When it was all finally over, they all sat down and cried together. We must never forget the way we all felt that day.

A year later, we have learned how the worst tragedy in the United States’ history somehow brought out the very best of America. The so called ordinary people boldly emerged as extraordinary heroes in the chaos of the September 11th catastrophe. These selfless acts of heroism, bravery and courage – exhibited that fateful September morning – embody the beauty of the human spirit.

So many people lost family, friends and coworkers that day. A year later, thousands upon thousands still work daily to reclaim their lives, picking up the pieces and trying to recover from the event that forever shaped their lives. With God’s graces and America’s help, these folks are slowly but surely getting their lives back in order. They move on, they have to, but they’ll never forget 9-11. Our prayers will always be with them.

Years later, a proud nation, temporarily knocked to its knees by these heinous acts of terrorism, has emerged a stronger, prouder and united country – firmly committed to seek justice for those responsible for the September 11th attacks. We must never allow these cowardly acts to diminish that shining light of freedom that is America. Freedom always has and always will come with a price. Many have paid the price for that very freedom – we must never forget.

It’s been a few years since that September day.  Sometimes it seems like a lifetime ago, sometimes it seems like it was just yesterday. That September morning should make each of us appreciate just how fragile life really is. We need to fully appreciate just how special each and every day truly is – that it’s a sacred gift from God. We should never take the precious moments of life – a child’s smile, a beautiful sunset, our families and our friends – for granted any longer. We need to live each and every day with all of the love, hope and happiness we can muster.

Even a year or many years later, words just don’t seem adequate when you try to capture the feelings associated with September 11th. They’re just not enough. But one thing is for certain. September 11th is now indelibly etched as a day we will never forget, a day we can never forget, a day we must never forget. For the sake of freedom and the freedom of generations to come, let’s make sure we never do.
 

May God bless you – and may God bless America.