Remembering 911
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
One of the worst days in America’s history saw some of the bravest acts in Americans’ history. We’ll always honor the heroes of 9/11. And here at this hallowed place, we pledge that we will never forget their sacrifice.
Former President George W. Bush at the Pentagon in 2008
For many Americans, 911 will forever be a day that we remember with deep sadness. For those of us that were adults of young adults, the moment that we heard and saw the news is something that we can never forget. As with Pearl Harbor, there was horror at what had occurred, at the senseless loss of so many lives. Confusion as to what was going on and fear about what might happen next. Like many, I cried as I watched television footage of the burning and falling Twin Towers and felt the enormity of human suffering embodied in those events.
To put the event in perspective, the remainder of the blog is sharing some of the information on the “Homes for Heroes” website. I encourage you to visit the website and read more.
My father was the best person I have ever known and though he was taken from me on that day, nothing and no one will ever be able to take away the eight years and two days of my life that I shared with him. After my father died, and after I lost so much, I promised myself that I would never lose who I am as a person – the person that my father brought me up to be. … If you owe someone an apology, tell them you are sorry today. If someone asks for your forgiveness, forgive them. Start being the person you always wanted to be today and don’t waste your time worrying about tomorrow.” – Mary Kate McErlean, whose father was killed on 9/11 when she was 8 years old
Homes for Heroes website:
Some Americans sacrificed their lives for others that day.
40 courageous passengers on United Flight 93 overrun the terrorists and crashed their plane in Sumerset County, PA before it reached its target
403 First responders who answered the call that day didn’t make it
And, there were many more.
When the dust settled, we mourned. We came together as a country to weep and to stand strong…together. New Yorkers collected themselves and came together to do what needed to get done. Families and friends, after being told their loved one didn’t make it, began navigating the process of grieving their loss. While others held their loved ones closer and tighter. And still there were others who decided to answer the call and defend this country.
2,343 U.S. troops were killed in Operation Enduring Freedom, the U.S. government name for the Global War on Terrorism that followed the attacks on 9/11
1,609 People lost a spouse or partner in the attacks
3,051 Children who lost a parent
56 million, or 20 percent of the U.S. population in 2001 (estimate), knew someone hurt or killed in the attacks
For those who remember, never forget.
