Aubrey’s Analysis

We’re coming up on the 25th anniversary of the tragic events of Sept. 11, 2001. It’s a day that continues to live in the minds and hearts of Americans across the country as we hold true to “Never Forget.”

I was very young when that fateful day took place in 2001, but I am still reminded to “Never Forget.” As I went through school, something about learning what happened that day stuck with me.

I don’t know if it’s because of the slogan, because my birthday is in September or because I grew up in a patriotic family. What I do know is that even at a young age, hearing about 9/11 affected me.

Projectors pointed at classroom walls mirrored my teachers’ computers, showing videos of two planes crashing into the Twin Towers in New York City. Flames rose and smoke billowed from the World Trade Center as people panicked, looking for a place to flee.

I had empathy for them. I could understand their fear and confusion. I, too, wouldn’t know what to do if I were in the situation they were in.

Although many lives were lost that day, others were saved because of the quick actions of New York first responders. Police officers, firefighters and other emergency personnel ran toward the burning buildings rather than away from them.

It was a scene that anyone with common sense would want to stay away from, yet they went into it.

And let’s not forget that two other hijacked planes were headed toward targets that morning. On United Airlines Flight 93, ordinary passengers and crew members who had been on their way to see family, conduct business or reach other destinations fought back against the hijackers.

No one aboard Flight 93 survived when the plane crashed in Pennsylvania, but their courage prevented the hijackers from reaching their intended target.

Maybe that’s what it means to “Never Forget.” Yes, that day will live in infamy throughout American history. The sheer number of lives lost in the terrorist attacks involving four hijacked aircraft is hard to comprehend.

But instead of remembering only the events that occurred that day, we should remember the people.

The police officers who reached out a helping hand to pull people from the rubble. The firefighters who entered burning buildings filled with smoke to lead others to safety. The EMTs and health care providers who treated those affected by the attacks. The passengers and crew members who fought the hijackers aboard Flight 93.

It may have been an attack on the U.S., but American patriotism shone brightly that day. The actions of so many individuals portrayed what it means to be an American: selfless, heroic and brave.

So let us not forget the event. Let us not forget the people. And let us not forget the strength Americans have when we band together and stand side by side.