“We will remember every rescuer who died in honor. We will remember every family that lives in grief. We will remember...”
- George W. Bush
Fourteen years ago, what seemed like a normal day turned into a tragic, devastating experience for our nation. An act of terrorism took the lives of more than 3,000 people. That day stands out to anyone that hears the words 9/11. For me, it brings up memories of watching the news in class and understanding the sadness, but not understanding the reason for it. For some, it was a day of fear for loved ones on the planes or in the buildings attacked. For others, it was a day to serve their country and rush to the aid of people that needed it. All in all, this day changed our country and everyone in it. Things will never be the same. I hope and pray that we never forget that day or the ways it changed us. We appreciate those who gave their lives and those who still give their lives in order for us to be free.
To Those That We Lost
To the military, firefighters, paramedics, police officers, and anyone that gave their life trying to help mend what was broken that day, thank you. The words thank you will never seem to carry the weight of what I feel toward you. But when other words fail, thank you seems to be the best chance at expressing the gratitude and true appreciation I feel. Thank you for making that choice to stop what you were doing on that September morning and racing to the scene of the more horrific crime. Thank you for facing the debris, smoke, and flames. Thank you for giving up so much for people you never knew. Thank you for serving and fighting for the country you believed in. I speak for all of your supporters and myself when I say we will never forget you. We will never forget to remember what you did. We will forever be grateful for your choice to give your life serving your country.
To Those Left Behind
If your loved one was taken from you as a result of the 9/11 tragedies, know that your loss was felt all across the country. If they were one of the many people running into the disaster to help out all of those in need, I hope you know that they died the bravest and most honorable death. A hero is a person admired for courage, outstanding achievements, or noble qualities. Someone willing to give their life for their country shows the utmost courage and selflessness. Please know that your loved one was and is appreciated. Know that even though we may never know you, you are in the thoughts and prayers of so many.
To Those Still Fighting
Again, thank you seems like an overused, meaningless phrase when it comes to the severity of your actions, but nonetheless I thank you. To those in our military, thank you for the time you spend away from your families. Thank you for the sacrifices you make every single day in order to ensure my freedom. Thank you for allowing me to freely speak what’s on my mind and freely worship the way I please. Without each and every one of you who serve on our country’s behalf, my life would be vastly different. Know that no matter what happens in this country, there are people who support you and appreciate you always. Thank you for continuing to believe in our country no matter what. To the police officers who have been targeted recently yet still show up to work every day, thank you for pushing on and doing what you do. To the firefighters who continuously face flames in order to save others from danger, thank you for your services. To the paramedics and first-responders, thank you for dedicating your time to helping others. To all that dedicate their lives to the service or our country, I am forever thankful for you and everything you do.
“Remember the hours after September 11th, we came together as one to answer the attack on our homeland. We drew strength when our firefighters ran up stairs and risked their lives so that others might live; when rescuers rushed into smoke and fire at the Pentagon; when the men and women of Flight 93 sacrificed themselves to save nation’s Capitol; when flags were hanging from front porches across America, and strangers became friends. It was the worst day we have ever seen, but it brought out the best in all of us.”
– John Kerry
