“Never Forget” September 11th: Looking Back 20 years Later
“Never Forget.” Those words have taken on special meaning for all Americans over the last 20 years. Who would have ever thought that one event could resonate so strongly that such common words could have no other meaning? It’s interesting, however, that we remind ourselves to never forget something that is so deeply ingrained into our psyche that we could not possibly forget it. Perhaps, it’s not about remembering what happened but making sure to remember those we lost. The September 11th attack is still a fresh memory for those who witnessed it live.
While those of us who experienced that day remember clearly where we were and how we felt, it is important to take a moment to remember those who lost their lives that day. Over the last 20 years, the world has moved on. Babies were born and grew into adults who know of 9-11 from history lessons. We’ve experienced both traumas and moments of great beauty. We’ve seen ups and downs as the world keeps going. Moving on is important. We cannot simply wallow in the bad times. We must, however, take a moment for the ones who were not allowed to experience the last 20 years.
The anniversary of 9-11 is a time to reflect on the lives lost. Furthermore, it is a time to look at our own lives with appreciation for what we have. “Never forget” is a reminder of both the lives lost that day and the importance of life itself. On this day, we should all reflect on what we’ve lost, what we’ve gained, and what it means to live. Let’s stop to honor the lives that were taken that day and then move forward together. Especially as we struggle with the challenges today, of a pandemic and whatever comes tomorrow, we must remember to stand united as Americans. This is what we should never forget.
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