Some days etch themselves into your memory so deeply you can, at the slightest provocation, remember details such as where you were, what you were doing and who you were with.
Sept. 11, 2001, is one of those days.
If you were old enough, you likely remember exactly where you were and what you were doing when the United States of America was attacked.
It’s hard to believe it was 25 years ago that we woke up for school and, in the midst of getting around, saw the news that a plane had hit one of the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center. The questions were swirling: What had happened? Did the pilot have a medical emergency? Could someone have possibly done it on purpose? Surely not.
Then, in the midst of the surprise of the first flight crashing into a tower, another plane hit the other tower. We immediately had the conversation that there was no way this was a fluke. This was on purpose; it had to be. But, who would do that?
The rest of the day was spent going from class to class, but with little traditional learning. In most classes, we watched the news of the day unfold as flights hit the Pentagon and crash landed in Pennsylvania. That day, and the days following, we watched as responders braved the chaos to try to save their fellow Americans, smoke billowed, buildings collapsed, counts of those killed ticked up and more.
Our story is not unique. So many others have stories like ours, and much worse — stories of loved ones lost, phone calls with “I love you” messages in case they never spoke again, wondering where missing loved ones were and if they were OK.
The world changed right in front of us.
It’s also a day that isn’t done changing the world.
That death toll is still ticking up as those who were in and around Ground Zero battle illnesses and health concerns caused by that day.
That day still drives how we look at and plan for security concerns and threats.
Years after the attacks, we had the opportunity to visit the site of the former World Trade Center during a trip to New York City.
The trip was prior to the current memorial and museum’s construction, and we remember being taken aback and being speechless at the sight of the holes in the ground in the midst of a bustling city. Instead of skyscrapers prominent on the NYC skyline, there were deep holes marking the site of immense death, destruction, heartache and fear.
This year, as we look back at Sept. 11, 2001, we encourage everyone to take a moment to honor the lives lost, the jobs selflessly performed and the families left to go on without their loved ones.
We also encourage a look back at something else that took place following the attacks — coming together as communities and as a nation.
This Friday, Sept. 11, we’ll have an opportunity to do just those things — come to gather as a community to pay tribute to those who lost their lives on 9/11 and those who selflessly serve their communities.
Beginning at 11 a.m. at Veterans Memorial Park, several community organizations will be holding a commemorative ceremony and community lunch honoring the fallen, our nation’s heroes and all local first responders who serve Archuleta County.
We encourage everyone to join this effort.
And, whether you can make that ceremony or not, we can all do another thing those community groups are encouraging: Participate in the National Day of Service by performing acts of kindness, supporting first responders, collaboration, teamwork and flying flags at half staff from sunrise to sunset.
Randi Pierce
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