Never Forget as We Honor All Who Serve

On this 20th anniversary of 9/11, we are reminded of a tragic day in the history of the U.S. and the world.?As we would with any anniversary, we are compelled to remember not only the day but those who made the greatest sacrifice to help others. Our lives have been forever altered as a result.?While we cannot change the outcome of that unforgettable and unforgiveable day, we can choose to remember the positives that arose from the ashes of the collapse.??

What I remember of that day and many days after were the selfless acts of kindness and support I witnessed among strangers, walking the streets of New York and communities around the world. People reached out to talk with and comfort one another.?People acted with true compassion for one another that previously might have simply passed by unaware.?There was a feeling of pride in America -- a hoisting and waving of flags and a resurgence of dignity and respect for our country and the unity and freedom the U.S. flag and our nation represent.??The support and comradery grew stronger with our allies, offering all means of support and partnership.?A renewed respect and regard for our first responders and the vital role they play in keeping us safe and alive, often running into a burning building rather than from it.?And how our country’s businesses stood strong -- in the face of what could have been an economic downfall -- and kept our economy going.??

Certainly, on this day in history, we do remember those who were lost in the tragic attacks on 9/11 and the families and friends they left behind.?But if the past year and a half of social unrest and the global pandemic has taught us anything, it is how much we need one another, how inextricably interdependent we all are -- and most importantly, even through tragedy, how we can often see the best of who we are and can be as human beings.

Peace,

Alan Colberg