It’s hard to believe it’s been fifteen years since the world as we knew it was turned upside-down. September 11th was a moment in time no American will ever forget. It was a turning point in our nation’s history, one that shook our country to the core. No matter where you were on that date, your heart was with the victims and the families who were losing them. While attacks happened in New York City, Washington D.C., and Shanksville, PA, the country looked on and felt the pain and terror of watching unspeakable acts occurring while worrying about what would happen next.
New York is my second home and the place where I was born, so I keep it close to my heart. It is one of my favorite places in the world. And I, too, watched and mourned the devastation in New York City and the world. You didn’t have to be there to feel it. The chaos and pain were resonant, the waves of emotion so prevalent. Over 3,000 people were killed during the attacks in New York City and Washington, D.C., including more than 400 police officers and firefighters.
But it was also a time of rebuilding and honoring our fallen heroes as well as those who worked tirelessly and selflessly to restore order. It’s a time we will never forget as a nation. On this day, as we look back on one of the biggest catalysts in our nation’s history, let us never forget the men and women who fight to keep us safe, who help rebuild when disaster strikes, and who have continued to keep our country safe.
My thoughts are with those we lost, those who have had to grow up without a father or a mother because of the events of September 11th, and with our heroes – the men and women of the armed forces, police, rescue efforts, fire fighters, volunteers, and so many others. That is what makes our country truly great. That is what we are made of. Let us never forget. God bless.
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