The Day After

Yesterday was a hard day. Not just for me, for many. Twenty-three years ago today, many of us woke up (if we slept) to the crushing reality that life was forever changed.?

“Never forget.”?

The flags were half-mast. We listened to the names. Social media posts went out. The world paused…for a time. For me, it’s a day to be quiet. A hard day.?

As first responders, it’s the job. We rush in; we don’t know if we’ll come home. And as admirable as it is, and as crushing as it is to lose so many of my friends, it’s heart wrenching to reflect on how many civilians were lost, too.?

There’s a whole generation that has no idea how the world changed that day. Thankfully, technology allows them to look back, to never forget the hard day.?

Forgetting would be easier. I wouldn’t wish the pain of such widespread loss on anyone. But I have to remember. I have to re-live the hard day at least once a year. For those who also had a hard day, who had to remember, my heart is with you. It might not get easier; maybe it shouldn’t. And to those who don’t completely share the pain, it’s not a contest. Just be patient with everyone who’s hurting.?

Always remember. Remember we’re not the same. Remember we carry this loss with us all the time. Remember the hard day.

Yesterday was hard. And the world may forget today, the day after. The day we had to figure out how to keep going. So remember today. And, today, remember that the number you dial in an emergency - the number you never forget - will always be a reminder for the first responder. Today, remember that 9/11 isn’t just a day. A nightmare. Remember that life can change in a flash. Remember that you’re still here. Remember it’s your duty to honor those who aren’t here, The people who expected September 11, 2001 to be another normal day.?

Never forget to remember.

By: Lawrence Zacarese , Vice President for Enterprise Risk Management and Chief Security Officer, Stony Brook University