Today marks the tenth anniversary of the only terrorist attack to ever occur on American soil. The result of a coordinated attack involving multiple airliner hijackings was the death of thousands, the entrance into a war that has claimed many more, and the suffering of those who still live with the illnesses caused by working near ground zero that day. It was a day that left a clear and massive impact on our country; one that changed the way things were done throughout the nation, especially in the realm of air travel. It strengthened lines of communication between agencies, and it brought together Americans from sea to shining sea in one massive front that sent a message to the world; we will not stand apart and let this happen. We are one, we are united, and we will not be brought down by and whims of any radical group or person.
The events of 9/11 brought the United States together in a way that has never been seen before. Even in the light of such tragic circumstances, the best of humanity found its way to the surface and heroes emerged. Many of these heroes are not with us today. Many of these heroes gave their lives in the chaos of the attack so that others might live. But they live in on in the memories and the lives of those they saved.
It can be hard to remember the events of that day, especially if you were there. To see the fires, the people jumping from hundreds of floors up, the rubble falling, and the pure chaos. It was the worst day for so many people; a day of loss and a day where the ones they loved disappeared. So many lives gone in the blink of an eye. So many futures left unlived.
So today we remember the events of this day ten years ago. To those who were there, may you find peace in the silence of the night. To those who died there, you will never be forgotten. To those who lost loved ones, may you find solace knowing that their names will be forever engraved in the memories of this nation. To those who still fight against the evil forces that brought this attack to our own soil, we thank you and are forever in your debt.