Honoring 9/11: A Time to Reflect, Remember, and Heal

"No day shall erase you from the memory of time."
— Virgil, The Aeneid

September 11, 2001, is a day etched into the collective memory of our world.

A day of profound loss and heartbreak.

It’s hard to believe that twenty-three years have passed since the fall of the Twin Towers, yet for many, the pain feels as fresh today as it did then. This is especially true for those who lost loved ones in the attacks, those whose lives were forever changed in the aftermath, and the heroes who rose in the face of unimaginable tragedy.

Today, we pause to remember those who were taken from us, to honor the bravery of the first responders, and to reflect on how that day transformed us—not just as a nation, but as a global community.

For those directly impacted by 9/11, the grief may be an ever-present companion, a reminder of the loved ones who are no longer here.

To the families and friends who lost someone, my heart is with you today. I can’t imagine the depth of your pain or the weight of your memories. But I want to honor you, too—for your resilience, your love, and the strength you carry each and every day.

A Reminder of Unity in the Face of Tragedy

In the wake of the terror and chaos, something powerful happened—people came together. We were united in our grief, but we were also united in our determination to stand strong. Strangers extended hands to strangers. Communities across the world held vigils, offered prayers, and sent help in any way they could. The outpouring of love, compassion, and support was a reminder that even in the darkest moments, humanity has the capacity for incredible kindness and courage.

The acts of heroism that emerged on 9/11 continue to inspire. From the firefighters who ran into the towers to the ordinary citizens who helped evacuate their neighbors, these stories remind us that heroism doesn’t always wear a uniform—it often comes from the most unexpected places. In the face of unspeakable fear, so many chose love, sacrifice, and hope.

Creating Space for Healing and Reflection

As we commemorate this day, it’s important to create space for continued healing.

Many of us may not have lost someone personally, but we all felt the collective weight of that day.

It’s a shared wound, a moment in time that shaped the way we see the world and each other.

Healing looks different for everyone.

For some, it’s found in quiet reflection, lighting a candle or saying a prayer.

For others, it’s sharing memories or simply being with loved ones.

However you choose to mark this day, I encourage you to allow yourself that space—to feel, to remember, to heal.

The Path Forward: Choosing Hope Over Fear

While 9/11 was undeniably a day of sorrow, it also showed us the power of human connection and the resilience of the human spirit.

It’s easy to look at the world today and feel disheartened by division and conflict.

But the memory of 9/11 can serve as a reminder of what we are capable of when we come together. It showed us that in moments of fear, we can choose hope; in times of hate, we can choose love.

As we move forward, let’s carry with us the lessons we learned that day.

Let’s honor the fallen by striving to create a world where compassion and understanding triumph over hatred.

Let’s be there for each other—whether it’s through small acts of kindness or larger gestures of solidarity. The strength we showed on 9/11 lives within us still.

An Invitation to Remember Together

Today, I invite you to take a moment of quiet reflection.

Whether you lost someone, know someone who was there, or simply want to pay your respects, let this day be a reminder of our shared humanity.

I encourage you to hold space for your memories and feelings, and if you feel moved, share them with others. Sometimes, the simple act of remembrance—of saying a loved one’s name or sharing a story—can be a powerful step toward healing.

As we remember 9/11, let’s do so with hearts full of compassion and hope for a better future. We can honor the past while building a world that is more united, more loving, and more just.

A Wave of Kindness

Today, let’s also take a moment to show kindness to someone else.

It doesn’t matter how small—every act of kindness creates a ripple.

Research shows that kindness not only benefits the person receiving it, but it also profoundly impacts the person offering it and even those who witness it. When we perform or observe an act of kindness, our brains release feel-good chemicals like oxytocin and serotonin, boosting mood and fostering a sense of connection and well-being.

Even more powerful, studies have found that when people witness kindness, they are more likely to pay it forward.

This ripple effect can spread far beyond the initial act, creating a chain of kindness that touches many lives.

Imagine the waves we could create if each of us made it a point to extend a small act of kindness today—whether it’s a smile, a kind word, or a gesture of support.

On this day, let’s honor the lives lost by choosing to make a difference in the lives around us.

Together, we can create a ripple of compassion that extends beyond ourselves, helping to build a world filled with more love, connection, and unity.