Today is the 23rd anniversary of September 11th, now known as Patriots Day. For those that lived through that horrific day this should be a reminder of the victims, and those who gave their lives saving others. If you were in New York that day as I was, the visuals are seared into your memory. How can we best celebrate the people who died, and those who sacrificed their lives so that others may live? Let’s take a look.
A Day Like No Other
It was a really beautiful day in late summer in New York City September 11, 2001. I remember arriving at the office and going through my routine getting ready for the opening bell on Wall Street. I heard about the first plane hitting the tower and just assumed a small plane that lost control. We were watching on TV when the second plane hit the other tower. We knew right then this wasn’t a normal day. Indeed, as the morning progressed it was apparent that we were under attack and loss of life was going to be very significant.
God is always able to find good in all situations. The way the people in New York City came together after the attacks was something I will never forget. I stayed in the city that night and went out about 9PM. I was able to walk down the center of Lexington Avenue without a car in sight. In fact, the city was eerily quiet. The only sounds I heard were people talking in hushed tones as they waited in a very long line to give blood. In the weeks that followed, New York was very different. There was a general sadness, but people seemed to go out of their way to acknowledge each other, and were kinder to each other. We were all mourning, but that brought us together.
September 11 is Declared Patriot Day
On October 25, 2001 a bill was introduced in the House of Representatives to declare September 11 a National Day of Mourning. The result was to proclaim September 11, 2002 as the first Patriot Day. We are still mourning the loss of friends and family 23 years later. Every September 11th, we fly the flags at half-mast in remembrance of the tragedy and the loss we all experienced that day.
How Can We Honor Those That Died on Patriot Day
There are many ways in which we can celebrate the lives of those that died on September 11th. A guide to Honoring 9/11 in Your Community can help you to plan out your day:
- People can and should attend church on September 11. God was there for us in the evil that attacked us, and being close to God will bring comfort and strength
- Adding more prayer time is another way to get closer to God for comfort and strength
- Observe moments of silence today
- Stair Climbs – the National Fallen Firefighters Association sponsors stair climbs in memory of the 343 first responders who gave their lives on 9/11
- 9/11 Heroes Run – The Travis Manion Foundation sponsors 9/11 Heroes Runs across the nation.
- Volunteer at any community event honoring the memory of those who died
Today is a somber day for America and the world. We are comforted by the thought that our God never left us that day, and is with us every day watching over us. Do you have a September 11th experience you want to share? Comments are encouraged and always welcome.
God Bless
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