Twenty years ago on Sept. 11, 2001, the United States experienced one of the most tragic days in our country’s history as terrorists targeted New York City, the Pentagon and a plane flying over Pennsylvania. Not since Pearl Harbor in 1941 had our country experienced such an attack on our own soil.
In our darkest hour, we came together as the people of the United States of America in a show of patriotism rarely seen since. People from sea to shining sea proudly flew the American flag. Prayer vigils were held. People lined up to donate blood. Lee Greenwood’s “Proud to be an American” became a rallying call. There was a renewed sense of appreciation for firefighters, law enforcement and paramedics across the country. People enlisted in the armed forces as our country entered a war that we are just now seeing come to an end.
Each year since 2001 we vow to never forget. For most adults, 9/11 became one of those moments in time that you always remember where you were and what you were doing when you learned of the World Trade Center twin towers falling, or a plane flying into the Pentagon, or Flight 93 crashing into a field in Pennsylvania as the heroic crew and passengers fought to regain control from the terrorists on board. But for many of the younger generation, 9/11 is just something they hear us talk about. They are too young to remember that day or were not yet born.
The death toll from that day stands at 2,977. Thousands more were injured. And since then, far too many people have lost a father or mother, son or daughter, brother or sister fighting terrorists in the Middle East.
Since 2002, our country has observed Sept. 11 as Patriot Day, a day dedicated to remembering those lost in the terrorist attacks. Many organizations also organize community service projects on that day. This Saturday, Franklin Fire and Rescue will sponsor a Never Forget 5K and Franklin Police Department will host a public safety day at the high school. Sept. 11 was the deadliest day in U.S. history for firefighters and first responders. Even if you can’t run a 5K, join the fun run/walk or just stop by to show appreciation for our local emergency personnel and take a moment to remember those who perished on Sept. 11, 2001, and may we never forget.