Today our nation takes time to reflect and commemorate the tragic events that took place twenty-three years ago. September 11, 2001 proved to be one of the most difficult days that we have ever encountered. It was a day that simply broke our hearts. This year, we again pause for a moment to remember the nearly 3,000 innocent lives lost and to honor the memories of the brave men and women of New York’s Fire Department, Police Department, Emergency Services and Port Authority Police who selflessly ran into the towers of the World Trade Center while thousands were running out to safety. We honor the servicemen and women serving in our military forces who constantly protect our freedoms here at home and around the world. We also pay tribute to all of the people who gave of themselves so selflessly to help others in need and honor all the first responders and volunteers who worked at Ground Zero in the days and months after the attacks who gave their lives or are now suffering from a variety of ailments related to the toxic conditions to which they were exposed. Sadly, this year the number of firefighters who have died since the 9/11 attacks has surpassed the 343 who perished in the Twin Towers including my friend Mike Nelson, who passed away last Thursday after suffering from multiple forms of cancer over the past 13 years. Please join us in honoring the memory of those who lost their lives on September 11, 2001, and pay tribute to the families who lost loved ones on that day and in the years since. As time has passed since the sad events of September 11, 2001, we continue to move forward with our lives. While time tends to ease our pain and we deal with new and old challenges that face our city, nation and world, we must never forget what happened here in New York, at the Pentagon, and in the skies over Shanksville, Pennsylvania on that tragic day.
We continue to be very proud of our heroic response to these acts of terrorism against our country. It is fair to say that we truly met the worst of humanity with the best of humanity. Let this 23rd anniversary also serve as a reminder that throughout its history, America’s darkest days have been met with her finest hours.
On September 13, 2001, we returned to school. For those of us who were here at that time, we remember the courage, conviction and resolve of our students, faculty and staff to continue the work we had begun just a few days before in spite of the fears we felt and the sadness that was so present in all of our lives. We came together as a community to help and support each other, to listen to and respect our concerns, and to lift each other up in moments of need. Let us never forget that spirit and may we always strive to do right for each other.
(Credit: Eric B. Cohen, Social Studies Teacher)