9/11 Tribute and Memorial

It’s Friday, September 11, 2026. This day marks the 25th anniversary of the 9/11 Terrorist Attacks. On September 11, 2001, I woke from sleeping in my bedroom located in the basement of my parents home. I walked upstairs and turned on the television. My eyes and brain was in awe of the images that popped up on the screen. I remember the news channel showing the smoke from where the Twin Towers once stood, drifting into the air around downtown New York City. It was like watch a horrific scene in an action movie, only for me to realize that this was not a movie scene.

Today and yesterday, I did watch and read stories related to this event. In particular, stories of individuals who survived and of those who did not. If there was an emotion that stood out from these stories, it’s one of being somber. This was, and still is a traumatic event for those who experienced it first hand. Especially, for families who lost loved ones. It may have been those who were on the planes that crashed in New York, Washington, D.C., and Pennsylvania. It could have been those who were in the Twin Towers or the surrounding buildings. It also could have been who eventually died due to the complications related to inhaling all the dust and other toxic agents. Regardless, it remains a painful moment in each of these people lives.

For me, I chose to remember that day and embrace today. God has brought me long way. I was 17 when the attacks happened. I was not in college yet, did not have a job, and was living at home with my parents. I’m 42, now. I am fortunate that I current work, ironically enough, for the federal government, I attend courses at DePaul University and live in my own apartment. I genuinely grateful that the Lord has led me to this part. I will continue to build from this point on.

I remember that day and won’t forget.