We remember: 9-11

Everyone remembers where they were eight years ago, on 9/11/01, a day which undeniably changed our world (at least in America).  My personal story of that date is typical: It started as a normal day, a horrific scene unfolded on the news, then I continued to watch most of the morning as the aftermath ensued.  I was uncertain about the predictions of those who stated there would forever be a pre-9/11 world and a post-9/11 world, but it has largely proven to be true. Watch the news, attend a political town hall, travel through an airport.  You will see permeations of those events everywhere in our lives today.

I think of my kids, ages 9 and 10 at the time of the attacks, and their innocence as they prepared for another day of Catholic school in Spokane, Washington.  I called them into the bedroom where I was watching the events on TV and they appeared, smiling, in their wonderfully simple red and blue uniforms.  I wanted them to see what was going on, to explain it to them, to give them some context and reassurance as a parent.  I told them “It’s going to be alright.  You’re probably going to be talking about this at school today and it’s probably something that you’ll always remember in your life.”

As they get ready for school today, as wonderful young adults, it may only be in the back of  their minds. But it’s there. I know it’s in my mind, as I watch TV news and recall my visit to Ground Zero in Lower Manhattan as part of my honeymoon in 2006.  I captured some indelible images that day on a point-and-shoot camera.

We remember – all of us – and may we never forget those who lost their lives on that day in such a sudden and tragic fashion.

See today’s NewYorkTimes.com coverage.