Sixteen years ago, our country faced a detrimental terrorist attack that would affect our lives forever. September 11, 2001. This date can instantly spark sadness, pain, hatred, or other negative emotions - deservingly so. However, with this day being as painful as it is, I would like to recognize and thank all of those who fought to protect our lives during this tragic event.

From this attack, we lost 2,977 innocent lives. However, there were also many lives that were saved thanks to our firefighters, police, military, medical responders, and other citizens. There are no words that could ever express how grateful I am to those who put their lives on the line in order to save the lives of complete strangers.

Thank you to the firefighters, police officers, and random citizens who rushed into the World Trade Center and the Pentagon to help those who were trapped escape.

Thank you to the military for protecting our country at all times especially in times like September 11th.

Thank you to the medical responders who transported victims to hospitals.

Thank you to the doctors and nurses that worked endlessly trying to save every injured person that they could and for saving the lives that they did.

To the families of the fallen, I'm so sorry that you have to live with this pain of losing a loved one from such a terrible circumstance, but I want to thank you as well. I want to thank you for allowing your loved ones to defend our nation and help those who fall victim to circumstances like this. Although your loved ones may not be here with us today, their service does not and will not go unnoticed or unappreciated. Like I said there are no words or even actions that could express my gratitude, but I just want you to know that I am thankful for those who risked their lives on this day.

To America, I pray that we can all stand together on days like this. We are a separated group of people whether we chose to believe it or not; however, on days like September 11th, I hope that we can come together to give honor, respect, and thanks to all those who risked and lost their lives sixteen years ago. Shake the hand of a firefighter, police officer, military personnel, medical responder, nurse, doctor, or any other person you know who was affected by this event and tell them how thankful you are.

Thank you again to those who helped save the lives of American citizens on September 11, 2001. You are not forgotten.