9/11-- In Remembrance

Today marks the fifth anniversary of the terrorist attacks on the United States of America. On September 11, 2001, 2,973 people were killed by the attacks on the World Trade Center in New York, the Pentagon in Washington D.C., and Flight 93 that crashed in Shanksville, Pennsylvania. For some, today is a day of mourning; mourning their lost loved ones, mourning the lives they lost on that day, mourning for the sense of security and safety that was taken from them in a mere 102 minutes. People feel sadness, anger, hate, and despair. September 11, 2001, was filled with uncertainty and confusion.

But, the horrific day was also filled with the bravery and heroics of others. The 343 firefighters and 75 police men that died in the World Trade Center will forever be hailed as heroes, as they died protecting their nation and saving the lives of thousands of others. The 40 passengers that fought back on Flight 93 are immortalized as heroes, as they saved countless others by taking a stand and being the first to fight in the war on terrorism. The rescue workers who worked for days and months on end, will be remembered as heroes. Today is a day for mourning, but today is also a day for remembering.

It is difficult to think about where you were when the attacks happened, what you were doing, what you saw, whether you were watching it on TV, or witnessing it first hand. It is painful to remember those lost, the lives that were shattered by 19 terrorists five years ago. But it is important that you remember, so that the 2,973 will not have died in vain.

In your thoughts, prayers, and musings today, take a moment out of your busy schedule for a moment of silence for the lives lost on September 11, 2001.

Our country endures, but we will never forget.