By Stephanie Kifowit
We marked the 25th anniversary of September 11, 2001—a day that forever changed our Nation and remains deeply personal for so many Americans.
I remember that day vividly, as many do. I was working at Morgan Stanley Dean Witter at the time and I was just in 2WTC a year prior for training. I had declined to visit the observation deck thinking there would be another time; little did I or anyone else know that there will never be another time for the Twin Towers. Recently I traveled to NYC and visited the Memorial. It is certainly a moving experience honoring those who lost their lives, the first responders who never made it home and the Nation as we continue to grieve the loss. Take this time to reflect and honor their sacrifices with service, kindness and compassion.
It is certainly a moving experience. The memorial honors those who lost their lives in the towers, the first responders who never made it home and the families who continue to grieve the loss of their loved ones.
I am amazed how 25 years later can feel like yesterday. We need to continue to remember the approximately 3,000 lives lost that day, those families whose lives were forever changed, and the first responders who were there when the call came and served bravely. We also honor my friends and many other Veterans who served in the years that followed, along with their families who served at home waiting for their return.
I remember where I was on that day, glued to the television in our living room. and many others remember where they were, who we were with and the uncertainty we felt as the events of that day unfolded. But we also need to continue to remember what followed—the way Americans came together, supported one another and showed extraordinary strength and compassion during an incredibly difficult time.
As a Marine Corps Veteran, I appreciate and honor my fellow Veterans, active-duty service members, and our first responders. It is not enough to just say “Thank you for Your Service”, but we need to say “What Can I Do to Show Appreciation for Their Service”. On this anniversary, I hope we take time not only to remember those we lost, but also to reflect on the courage, service and unity that emerged in the days following September 11.
May we continue to honor their memory by taking care of one another, supporting those who serve and never forgetting the lives and sacrifices of September 11, 2001.
We will never forget.