September 11, 2016... It's been fifteen years since September 11, 2001.

Fifteen years since the terrorist attack that shook our mighty country to the core. Fifteen years since the Twin Towers fell. Fifteen years since so many lost their lives.

Fifteen years... but for so many, the pain still remains.

Beginning with the first plane striking the north tower of the World Trade Center at 8:45 a.m., lives changed and ended on that horrible day. And by the time the second plane had crashed into the south tower at 9:03 a.m., the city was complete and utter chaos.

"We have had a national tragedy. Two airplanes have crashed into the World Trade Center in an apparent terrorist attack on our country." - President G.W. Bush, 9:30 a.m.

By 10:05 a.m., the south tower had collapsed, the north tower following 23 minutes later.

I was only five years old when it happened. I remember virtually nothing about the day, only a few details, shielded from the horror by my family. But, as I look back on the footage of the attack, it brings tears to my eyes. To watch this event occur, even 15 years later, chills me to the bone.

There isn't a person that can't remember where they were and what they were doing when those towers fell. There isn't a person that can't recount to you their exact thoughts in that moment. It's an event that will resonate with them throughout their entire lives.

The saying is to "Never Forget," but that's not for those who saw it. They will never forget, it will be forever ingrained into their memories. A reminder of what our country, and it's people, endured.

"Never Forget" is meant for those who didn't see that day. Those like me, who were so young that they didn't see the news when disaster struck. Those who weren't born when we were attacked. Those who didn't lose someone they loved in the tragedy. It's meant to ensure that America will never let those people go. To ensure that we will keep those who lost their lives in our hearts and minds, even if we didn't know them or see the attack.

I've visited the 9/11 memorial in New York City. Standing where something so horrible occurred is such an emotional experience. Being there not only evokes a feeling of heartbreak, but also a feeling of overwhelming pride for our country.

What occurred that day was unfathomable. I can't even begin to imagine what was felt during such a terrible time. But, I know that it will never be forgotten.

September 11, 2001 will forever be a day that we mourn those we lost, thank those who served, and celebrate those who survived.

"Terrorist attacks can shake the foundations of our biggest buildings, but they cannot touch the foundation of America. These acts shatter steel, but they cannot dent the steel of American resolve." - President G.W. Bush