I will never forget because barely a day goes by when I do not remember.
For a certain generation, it is our Pearl Harbor or Kennedy assassination. We will always know where we were and what we were doing when the first airplane hit the Twin Towers, the field in Pennsylvania, or the Pentagon.
The world would never be the same. We knew it then, but at the time found it difficult to comprehend.
I live in the 11228 zip code in Brooklyn, a downtown Manhattan commuter zip code like other parts of southern Brooklyn and most of Staten Island. Many worked in the financial district of Manhattan, including the World Trade Center. Police and firefighters were our neighbors.
My Catholic church, Saint Ephrem’s, lost nine parishioners. My high school, Xaverian, saw 23 alumni perish. Many more have died since from 9/11-related illnesses. I knew many of the deceased and continue to stay in touch with the families. Countless blocks in Brooklyn and all over the city are marked with the names of those lost, with “9/11 Memorial Way” imprinted underneath.
We do not forget!
So let us remember. The events of 9/11 were a terrorist-orchestrated attack on America. The attackers were enemies of the United States and, in turn, enemies of the American people.
The American way of life — our many freedoms, liberties, and the constitutional guarantees found throughout our Bill of Rights — exist nowhere else in the world. Whether it be jealousy, fear of our freedoms energizing their suppressed citizens, or politics of hatred, the enemies of America on 9/11 came at the Towers and the Pentagon from the air. Now they look to cross our borders and walk on our streets.
It is necessary and proper to never forget the heroes of 9/11 and all those who have suffered in the years that have followed. In remembering, we need to stay vigilant, knowing that enemies of our great nation will continue to look for ways to exploit weaknesses and harm our citizens. As I do each 9/11, I will start my day outside St. Ephrem’s, saying a short prayer in front of a 9/11 memorial for the parishioners lost, and conclude the evening at a 9/11 ceremony. We should all take time to remember.
God Bless America