This past Sunday, September 11, 2016, marks 15 years since the tragic terrorist attack that changed our country forever. Whether you had someone in those towers or on those planes that day or not, it is the anniversary of a great loss in our hearts.

I am part of the last generation of kids who have any recollection of that day in their memories. The high school class of 2019 is the first group of students who will go through their curriculum and learn about September 11, 2001 as a historical event that happened before they were born. That is so mind boggling to me but at the same time, it makes perfect sense. Time has continued to go on even after something so earth shattering seemed to have stopped us all in our tracks that day.

It is commonly said that everyone remembers where they were on that cloudless Tuesday morning when the news broke out that a plane had crashed into the World Trade Center. Even though I was only 4 years old I have the slightest memory of my brother and I being picked up at school and I remember my mom was crying. I know now that she was crying in fear because my dad was on his way to New York City for work that very morning. The business man he was traveling with had a bad feeling about the day because of a strange dream he remembered from the night before. He called my dad to let him know he would be running late. Because of that delay, my dad heard the news of the terrorist attack over the radio just like the rest of us, from the safety of his car. If somehow this makes it to the eyes of that man I want to thank you from the very bottom of my heart.

In the past 15 years, we have drastically enhanced all our airport security as to never allow something like this to happen again. But in the past 15 years, we have also continued to witness so much terror not only involving US soldiers but also taking place on US soil. Will there ever be peace on Earth? Is there truly a way to put a stop to all the terror? I applaud the country for their continuous efforts but it breaks my heart that we have yet to succeed in the one common goal, peace.

Conspiracies flood the internet regarding the attacks from 9/11 whether the government had warning to it or not. But no matter where the truth of the attacks are or what you choose to believe, some facts can’t be questioned. 2,996 lives were lost on that day. With that number staring you in the face can you honestly tell me that, “jet fuel can’t melt steel beams,” or “Bush did 9/11”? Do these still sound like jokes to you with the reality that there are 2,996 less human lives on this earth? In my eyes, when it comes down to it nothing else matters but those people and their families. Everyone wants answers in a time of fear and I understand that it would give some people closure that they desperately need. But until those answers come out (if they ever do) I think the only thing that matters is honoring the lives that were lost.

My family was lucky and blessed that we didn’t lose anyone we knew and loved on that day. Other families were not nearly as fortunate. From white collar business men to blue collar fire fighters. From the CEO’s of major corporations to the janitors who cleaned the windows. Thousands of mothers, brothers, friends, were lost and my heart goes out to anyone who is still suffering from that pain. Hundreds were killed on the planes that were taken over by careless fools. Couples heading to honeymoons and children going to Disney World. Every American was deeply affected on September 11, 2001. Some more than others. All these years later it is still just as tragic and will still send chills down my spine when I look at that number.

Time does not heal all wounds. Think twice before you make a joke or comment that hits a touchy subject. Be sensitive to the things you may not know about the people around. Just be kind. The first step to peace can start with you.