We Will Always Remember 9/11/01

It’s hard to believe that next month will mark 10 years since the worst terrorist attack on American soil. Seeing the images of the destruction and anguish that day, or even just hearing the term “9/11,” can evoke deep anger or stinging tears as if the events unfolded only yesterday.

The damage and loss are irrevocable, and change was inevitable, but our country and our people have endured. In the ensuing 10 years, the United States has had two presidents, fought wars in Afghanistan and Iraq and increased security and surveillance measures. However, people have also resumed the routine of daily life; we still get married, see friends, have babies and go to school and work. 

In the aftermath of Sept. 11, 2001, we truly understood how quickly and tragically life can change. We realized that standing together on our common ground as Americans was more important than holding each other at arm’s length due to differences.

As we approach another Sept. 11, we want to hear from you, our Patch readers, how that day directly impacted you.

• Did you or someone you know survive the attacks on the World Trade Center or the Pentagon?

• Were you or someone you know among the emergency responders?

• Did you lose someone in the terrorist attacks?

• Did you or someone you know enlist in the military?

• Did you change your job or college major to work as a first responder, or in government or security?

• Do you now volunteer with organizations that provide disaster relief?

• Have you been directly impacted by increased security measures?

• Did you act on the lesson that “life’s too short,” so you made a life change, or healed a rift with a friend or family member?

Send a video, or photo and story (about 200 words) to ann.cornell@patch.com by 3 p.m. Aug. 18. These shared experiences will be a part of a regionwide gallery that will be published to Patch sites.