It’s hard to believe that it’s been 22 years since the absolute horror of September 11, 2001. For those of us who remember that day, the awful memories are seared into our brains. But as bad as it was, there also are remembrances of what is truly good about the United States of America.
For some of today’s retirees, September 11, 2001, was just another Tuesday, as they arrived at work. In New York City and Washington D.C., where the full impact was felt, it was a brilliant, sunny day. Those getting to work earlier, and those just arriving, received the shock of a lifetime as news came about an airplane crashing into the World Trade Center.
Soon, employees gathered in conference rooms or break rooms to see what was happening on television. Most had trouble believing their eyes.
As workers tried to comprehend what they were seeing, they started making connections with fellow workers they barely knew. As we watched the second plane crash into the tower, we knew we were seeing the worst evil imaginable.
Out of that confusion and sadness came a typically American response. People rallied around each other to comfort one another. Across the country, thousands of miles from New York and Washington, Americans all felt they, too, had been viciously attacked.
Over the next few days, as the depth of the destruction and death registered, we summoned the compassion, generosity, and patriotism that still beats in the hearts of so many Americans. Fundraising began immediately for the families whose loved ones had perished or been so severely wounded.
Now, we must set an example by ensuring our children and grandchildren learn and understand the lessons we learned from September 11. More importantly, all of us should never forget that day’s events.
Today at Council of Seniors, our thoughts are with the families of all of those who lost their lives in the attacks. We remember them, and we’ll continue to do so.