Finger Lakes Today

On a sunny September 6, I watched my first grandchild – my granddaughter, Bristol – get on the bus for her first day of kindergarten.

I was thinking about that moment as I reflect on 9/11. Because on September 11, 2001, I was driving my own young kids to school, who were just around Bristol’s age.

I was thinking about how the world changed for us and for our kids. And how 9/11 shaped the world my granddaughter and my two grandsons are growing up in now.

We all remember it. A bright, beautiful and sunny morning 23 years ago. We remember where we were when news of the attack broke through our television screens and radios. Social media, of course, was not yet widely used.

When I heard the radio reports in my car, I remember looking up at the sky – a picture-perfect day. I thought, this can’t be happening. But the images I later saw on television confirmed it.

A staggering 3,000 innocent American lives taken. Thousands more injured.

And to this day, many of the brave first responders who rushed into the burning buildings continue to deal with life-altering health conditions.

Too many have died as a result. All have suffered.

Two days after that first day of school, I spoke at the Patriot Day service at Bible Baptist Church in Williamson.

It was probably because I was in a church that I thought about Father Mychal Judge, the New York City Fire Department chaplain who was the first identified casualty of the September 11 attacks.

Father Mychal was tending to victims in the North Tower when he was hit by a downpour of debris as the South Tower collapsed. "I’m sure we all remember that image of the rescue workers carrying his body from the rubble."

In a news story on the 20th anniversary of 9/11, one of his friends, Father Dominic Monti said that it was still a very difficult picture to see. Then he said: "It’s death but it’s death that came out of love out of service."

Service—a simple yet profound word.

We honor the service of our firefighters law enforcement EMS all rescue workers from 9/11 and members of our Armed Forces. We give thanks to those who answered the call to respond that day and those who answered calls to serve in subsequent months and years.

9/11 inspired a new generation dedicated to service within our nation including military enlistments local fire department volunteers charitable donations supporting victims' families nonprofit volunteering efforts among others.

One way we can continue honoring those lost is by showing appreciation and respect for today's service members including first responders and military personnel risking their lives daily so we may live safely freely.

We can show respect appreciation within neighborhoods communities government halls churches classrooms dinner tables alike

"We Will Never Forget" has become an anthem for remembering 9/11 events

Etched into memory are images such as rescue workers hanging an American flag alongside a banner reading "We Will Never Forget." This photo became one iconic image within U.S history

And indeed never forgetting remains paramount As does refusing subjugation attempts against freedom via country attacks

As Americans remain strong resilient proud standing united with unwavering support gratitude towards community-serving individuals honoring sacrifice bravery commitment embodying life's highest calling To proudly be American means never forgetting