15 years ago on a beautiful Tuesday morning, two gleaming towers stood tall marking the New York skyline. It was a September morning just like any other until 8:46 a.m. when tragedy struck. Across the nation people turned to their televisions and radios hoping to hear something positive during such a dark moment. For many, the morning of September 11, 2001 will never be forgotten. Thousands of families and friends lost loved ones and the grief and pain has yet to dull even 15 years later. The images and memories of that day are forever etched into the minds and hearts of Americans, especially those who live and work in or near the city.

September for me is a time of transition; I leave my family, go back to school and prepare for fall, but it's also a time of sadness. 15 years ago, September was a time of change and sadness for the nation as well. My uncle, Peter Paul Apollo worked on the 104th floor of the North Tower—he passed away in the attacks. Though I was only four when the attacks happened, September has always been a hard month for me. I vaguely remember the events and confusion that unfolded that day, but as I've grown I've learned more about the attacks. I also vaguely remember my uncle and the times we spent together, but none of the memories are clear. They're almost dream-like. I honestly wish I could remember more. From the stories I've heard and pictures I've seen, I can tell my uncle was a positive and happy guy just enjoying his life and I feel like he truly touched everyone he met. I wish I could have spent more memorable time with him.

I have always felt weird talking to my friends about my situation since I knew it would be impossible for them to understand how the day affected me. For them it's a normal day, but for me it is far from that. Ever since I can remember i've gone to memorials and ceremonies each year while most of my friends went to school or sat home.

I still can't believe it has been 15 years since the attacks when it feels like yesterday. It boggles my mind that my sister, who is now a freshman in high school, did not live through the attack. It scares me to think that that day is now a history topic, and that the people who died will soon be just a number in a history book and on memorials around the country like fallen soldiers from past wars.

I can tell my family still grieves to this day and so do so many other 9/11 families. I can't help but feel guilty for my sadness when I barely remember my uncle. I can't even begin to fathom what my family felt days, months and even years after their loss; my grandparents lost their son, my mom and her sister lost their little brother, and my uncle's fiancé lost her love. One thing I can say is that not only did September 11th bring the nation together, it brought my family closer together as well; and it's so hard not being with them on the anniversary each year when I'm away at college.

September 11, 2001 left a mark on so many people, some more than others, and I hope that this year on the fifteenth anniversary the United States can once again join together like they did after the attacks instead of being so broken over stupid things. No matter what anniversary it is, September 11th will always be a day of remembrance for all the innocent souls lost that day, including my uncle. I think of my uncle Peter each day and will forever miss him. He will always be in my heart and my mind.

This September 11th please remember all the families still grieving so many years later and all the loved ones they lost. It may just be another day to you but to 9/11 families, it is a day they will not forget. So say a prayer, acknowledge a moment of silence, be proud to be an American and never forget the events that occurred or people lost that day.

Never Forget.