Greetings,
This week will mark the 23rd anniversary of the September 11, 2001 attack on our nation that left approximately 3,000 Americans dead and changed the lives of thousands more. As the years after September 11 fade behind us, we may be forgetting how strong this nation was in those days after the tragedy and how strong this nation can be, and is.
It is not uncommon for us to harness the emotions of a tragedy and channel that energy to take on charitable causes or motivate our personal behaviors. The Tunnel to Towers organization is an example of how the loss of Stephen Siller, a heroic and brave New Your Fire Fighter, was turned into a charitable organization that provides mortgage-free homes to Gold Star and fallen first responder families with young children. Other such efforts include Tuesday’s Children and Families of Freedom Scholarship Fund.
Closer to home, Fordson High School graduate and now Head Coach of the New York Jetts Robert Saleh reflected in an article written for ESPN about his own family’s experience during 9-11. Robert’s brother was in the World Trade Center on September 11th. Fortunately, he was able to get out of the building and survived but his experiences on that day, the firefighters he saw going into the building while he and others were able to exit to safety, had a life changing experience on him and on Robert. That experience brought a new perspective to Robert’s life and motivated him to pursue his passion for becoming a coach in the NFL.
Throughout the history of our great nation the American spirit has always persevered, stood strong, and has become a beacon for what the human spirit can accomplish and overcome. We have channeled our unique ability to overcome adversity and seek hope by making September 11th a day dedicated to service to our community and to others. A day to show the world that American resolve will always be stronger than those who try to tear us down and divide us.
The passing of time may diminish the memories of the day, but we can never let the passage of time allow us to forget the people that were lost and the incredible resilience of the American people in the days that followed. On Wednesday, September 11 we will join with others around the country and fly our flags at half staff. I encourage all of us to pause for a moment of silence at 8:46 a.m. to honor and remember those who lost their lives on September 11, 2001.
When I was growing up people would talk about the day that President Kennedy was assassinated. That horrible event happened before I was born so for me, my knowledge and understanding of that tragic day didn’t come from personally living through the experience, rather my perspective came from what I was told and learned. For many, September 11th is becoming that type of historical event. It the responsibility of all of us who lived through 9-11 to make sure that we always honor those who we lost, remember the incredible outpouring of compassion that followed in the days after, and to always seek the good in each other, the commonality we all share, and come together to bring about the better days we know lie ahead.
Regards,
Glenn Maleyko, Ph.D