Remembering September 11, 2001

Sunday will mark the tenth anniversary of the terror attacks on America.

On September 11, 2001, four commercial jetliners were commandeered by Muslim extremists.

Two of the planes were flown into the Twin Towers in New York City. The towers collapsed as people were trying to escape them. Thousands died. A third plane was rammed into the Pentagon in Washington, D.C., where hundreds were killed. The fourth crashed in Pennsylvania after passengers tried to retake the plane. All aboard perished.

The nation was stunned and horrified.

For those near ground zero in New York, the experience of seeing and hearing the buildings collapse and then of trying to escape the billowing clouds of dust and debris that raced up New York streets will never be forgotten.

For those far from the dangers, the shocks seemed to never end. Millions worried about what would come next.

September 11 was a common, bonding experience for much of the country. That day changed and shaped lives. That day changed and shaped the nation.

Commemorative events and memorial services are planned across the country. Thousands, if not millions, will participate in them. Millions more are bound to take a moment of silence to reflect on that tragic day ten years ago.

The attacks and the carnage are not things America should dwell upon. Yet, neither should they be forgotten.

And, the legacies of September 11, 2001, are great.

We were left increased security at airports and other transit centers. The long lines and intrusive inspections are a direct result of September 11, 2001. Less obvious, new high rise structures are being designed, engineered and built differently. Much was learned from the collapse of the two towers. Even the subconscious awareness of the nation has increased. Dangerous people have been apprehended because of alert citizens, and several sophisticated plots have been interrupted. Also, awareness of homeland security needs has made the country safer in other areas. Fire departments, police and the like are better trained and better equipped.

There is much more. All of it—the good and the bad—will surely become part of the tenth anniversary remembrances.

And, then it will be time to put it all aside without ever forgetting any of it.

Gordon Forgey