Fifteen years ago, America was changed. Our land of freedom and safety was hanging in the balance as we watched the terrorist attacks unfold. Fifteen years ago, thousands of innocent lives were lost due to the selfish desires of those against us. At this time, not only did America come together to rescue and to mourn, but it was truly one of the first times we were tested as a nation. Fifteen years ago, we found our strength, we found our duty to our country, and we found our love amidst the horrors before us.
September 11th, 2001 is now written into our history. It was written as a time we all came together to honor our nation. Although predominantly in New York City, the terrorist attacks affected the United States in its entirety. It was that fateful morning that we would hear about the plane crashes, planned and executed by a terrorist group, that would change us. What the terrorists didn't understand is that we would not let this break us. We would come together to rescue as many people as we could. We would mourn and give comfort to those who lost their loved ones. We would honor the men and women who risked their lives for the individuals in those buildings.
Today, the effects of the terrorist attack aren't over. The men and women who worked in the field still receive yearly appointments due to various health concerns. People have died years after the attack because of illnesses caused by the debris. Second, there are things those men and women cannot un-see amongst the rubble. An event such as this has a great impact not on the physical body, but on the minds of those who endured it. The chaos that surrounded the treacherous attacks is something the witnesses will not forget.
My father was amongst the volunteers from the NYPD. I was only five at the time, and was blissfully unaware of the events surrounding me. I was curious, but never knew why my father didn't return home for a month. It wasn't until years later, I found out he and a myriad of others searched through the rubble. The job of those volunteers wasn't easy, but luckily my father returned home. Unfortunately, that wasn't the case for other children. That wasn't the case for thousands of spouses, parents, aunts, uncles, grandparents and friends. Too many people unexpectedly lost loved ones that day.
Despite the vast amount of loss, there is a silver lining. One of the greatest effects of the attacks that still remains is the fact that each year, the nation stands as one. September 11th continues to be a day of remembrance. Today, the Freedom Tower in NYC is standing tall. The reflection pool lined with the names of the victims glistens in the sunlight. Together, we celebrate the lives of those who suffered, and those who served. To those who served: thank you. To those who suffered: you will never be forgotten. Remember, no day shall erase you from the memory of time.
