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A time for memories and resolve

Sept. 11, 2001, must be remembered

Sept. 11, 2001, is a day etched in the memories of Americans. That it was destined to become so was totally unforeseen.

As sunshine greeted Americans on the East Coast 20 years ago, nobody expected anything ahead other than a pleasant late-summer day. Before long, what began as an almost too beautiful morning became a time of immense tragedy. It became enshrined in our memories as one of the saddest and most infuriating days we Americans would ever experience.

Two decades later, the horrifying images of the evil terrorist attacks in 2001 have become a significant part of our nation’s history. The events that unfolded that September, and in the years since, have shaped our lives massively and still influence our nation’s future.

The heartbreak of that unforgettable day stems not just from the innocent lives destroyed, but also from the shattered dreams of the survivors and of the countless others whose lives emerged much altered. That day brought about decisions by our nation’s leaders that have had enormous impact on America’s subsequent course. The obscene acts of terrorism that made Sept. 11 so excruciatingly painful have inspired in many hearts a fierce resolve to take the actions necessary to prevent similar tragedies from claiming more lives and negatively influencing still more futures.

Today’s issue of The Messenger includes a special section that recounts some of what was witnessed on Sept. 11. We urge readers to spend some time reflecting on how those events have changed our world.

The American people opened their hearts to the families touched by the destructive work of the terrorists. They have also done so to the many American service members whose lives have been devoted to the work of combating terrorism and their families. That is appropriate, necessary and commendable. It is also something that will continue for many years hence.

On this anniversary of the 9/11 attacks, we must do more than remember the lives lost that day. We also should take the time to honor those heroic men and women who have sacrificed so much on battlefields – both faraway and close to home – to prevent such tragedies for occurring again. They and their families have demonstrated unfailing patriotism and deserve to be thanked profoundly by their fellow countrymen.

The Messenger welcomes this opportunity to be part of that process.

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