We Will Never Forget

It’s hard to believe it’s been 20 years since the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center, the Pentagon and the plane that crashed near Shanksville, Pennsylvania on September 11th, 2001.? A day that would forever changed the world and our way of life.? I know there are so many people in this country and around the world that have been deeply impacted by the tragic events that unfolded on that beautiful, yet fateful day.? My thoughts and prayers are with you all.?

I’m sure most of us can remember exactly where we were when the first and second planes struck the twin towers.? I remember being in my friend’s dorm room at Villanova University when we found out that his uncle was trapped on the 92nd floor of the North Tower with no way to escape.? I remember the tears when we watched the North Tower collapse, knowing that his family’s lives and the lives of so many would be changed forever.?

I live in downtown Manhattan, less than a block away from the new World Trade Center and I often find myself reflecting on the 2,977 lives lost and the shock, horror, heroism, and humanity brought on by the attacks of September 11th, every time I walk past the beautiful 9/11 memorial.? Let us never forget those who lost their lives and the sacrifice of all the brave heroes who responded so selflessly amidst the chaos and destruction that day.? Let us also be reminded of the resilience, courage, and unity we showed as a city and country in the days, months and years that followed.?

Today we face a new crisis.?One carried out by an invisible enemy.?Countless lives lost, families forever changed, and our way of life impacted by a deadly virus.?Just like we did 20 years ago, we need the same courage, commitment, and unity to come together and fight our way through this pandemic.?We’ve done it before, and we will do it again.?????