September 11, 2001 started like any other day. Americans went to work, boarded airplanes, took their kids to school and went about their morning. By the end of that day, thousands of innocent lives had been taken in a brutal act of terrorism, and countless families would never be the same.
Today we remember those who died at the World Trade Center and the Pentagon, along with the passengers and crews aboard the hijacked planes. We remember the courage of the passengers and crew of Flight 93, whose actions helped prevent even greater loss of life. And we remember the families who have carried that loss for the last 25 years.
We also remember the firefighters, police officers, EMS personnel, military members and ordinary people who stepped up when others needed them most. Many ran toward danger to help people they had never met.
But when I think about September 11, I also think about what happened afterward.
People came together. Flags were everywhere. Churches were full. Neighbors checked on each other. Strangers helped strangers. We prayed together, supported our first responders and military, and remembered that we were all Americans.
25 years later, I think that part is worth remembering too.
Here at home, I am thankful for the firefighters, police officers, EMS personnel, dispatchers and all of our local first responders who continue to answer the call when our community needs them.
John 15:13 says:
“Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.”
Today, take a moment to remember those we lost, pray for the families who still carry that loss, and remember the courage and unity we saw in the days that followed.
May we never forget September 11, 2001.
God bless East Petersburg, and God bless the United States of America.
