September 11th, 2001 I was 3 years old. Even without actual recollection of the events as they occurred 15 years ago, my hearts sits heavy in my chest every year as we remember those who were lost in the tragic events that occurred at the World Trade Center. Listening to the nearly 3,000 names called each year on the news at Ground Zero, some of whom were close to my family, fills me with an immense feeling of sorrow, grief, and appreciation.

Growing up in a post 9/11 generation, there have been countless times I have learned through various different individuals of what happened. It’s crazy to think this event is now commonly in textbooks and will be a day put down into history that happened just a short distance from my home. I have grown up with long airport security lines as the norm, multiple pieces of legislation such as the most commonly associated Patriot Act, our nation sending troops over seas to war, and with a different lens on issues such as immigration, race, and terrorism.

When learning about the devastating day whether it’s in school, through the media, or my own father a retired New York City Firefighter from Engine 230, I am overcome with a multitude of feelings and thoughts. Every story that is told to me about how clear the sky was, or how vividly they remember the day such as my mom waiting at home with two children as my father fled towards the action, is sickening. The thought of thousands of families being forever changed has never made me more thankful that my Dad was not working that day. September 11th is not only a day to remember those who courageously gave their lives, but to take the time to be thankful and realize how truly fortunate I am. Not everyone is so lucky.

My father is a hero to countless individuals throughout his service of 26 years with the FDNY. I will always admire all of his dedication to helping others and being the firefighter and leader that he is. All he has sacrificed for our family and the duties that his job entails is inspiring and holds many of the qualities that I strive towards in my future. Each day is precious, and so are the relationships we have and people around us. Those lost on that day will be gone but never forgotten and we shall always come together as a nation to remember this day.