Stories Along The Way

September 11 is one of those days when people ask, “Do you remember where you were?”

I do.

I still remember where I was living in Las Vegas. I woke up to the news, turned on the television, and watched as the unimaginable unfolded. I remember watching one of the towers collapse and sitting there in shock.

More than two decades later, I visited the 9/11 Memorial & Museum in New York City.

This time, I wasn’t watching from thousands of miles away.

I was standing where it happened.

I saw the photographs. I heard recorded voices. I looked at the faces of people whose lives ended that day.

It changed my perspective.

September 11 was no longer only something I remembered watching on television. Behind every name was a person who had a life, a family, plans for tomorrow—and a story.

I also left with an even deeper respect for the firefighters, police officers, and other first responders. While others were trying to escape the danger, they ran toward it to help people they didn’t even know. Many never came back out.

I will always remember where I was on September 11, 2001.

But after standing where it happened, I understand that day differently.

Behind every name is a life that mattered.

May we never forget them—or those who ran toward the danger when others needed help.

“No day shall erase you from the memory of time.”