Most of us who were alive can remember exactly where we were on September 11th, 2001. Some of us have very personal memories of family or friends impacted by the attacks. I was in my first few days of my teaching career here at Pequannock Township High School. I remember walking down the hallway to teach a class and looking at a small television in the media center that was showing something going on in New York City. Little did I know what would happen over the next few hours. Twenty-three years later, what else do we remember from that day? What are the things that still stand out and should be at the forefront of our minds over two decades later?
One thing that stands out for me is how our communities — across the country — came together. Our country united to care for one another, to support one another and to face uncertainty together. We learned the meaning of the word indivisible. We knew what it was as a country to come together and to confront the things that might divide or destroy us. I remember all of the American Flags displayed on cars, homes and storefronts.
I hope we will never forget the courageous behavior of the first responders — the ones who went into the towers that day and for those who assisted in the days, weeks and months that followed. I hope we never forget the desperate bravery of the passengers on the plane in Pennsylvania. I hope we never forget the personnel who attended to the wounded at the Pentagon.
September 11th will forever remain a day we never forget. We can remember it by the way we live our lives. We can remember it by caring about one another, supporting one another, educating each other, putting the needs of others before our own, persevering through difficult times and standing tall in the face of opposition.
While students, you were not born yet in 2001, you will help me never forget that day. You are our future. You are the positive energy we need to keep the memory of those we love at the forefront of our minds. You are our future teachers, doctors, and yes, even heroes. Today is a new day, for you and for me. Make every day count. Make every day memorable. Let us be a part of a future filled with promise and hope….one we will never forget…for all the good that was done.
"No day shall erase you from the memory of time." We will never forget. #nocknation
