The Honor of Living to Remember

Two decades ago, the world changed forever.

That’s how we tend to think about September 11th — as a “world-historic” event. But this morning, as I started my day, I thought about something different: Two decades ago, scores of families suddenly had an empty seat at the breakfast table.

I think of those losses a lot, given my company’s work. The public safety agencies connected to us lost hundreds. They are American heroes, each and every one. But I think today about their families. Because to call them heroes — while appropriate — is to miss something about their humanity.

They were also moms, dads, soccer coaches, churchgoers. They were there — until one morning, when they were gone.

Today is a day of mixed emotions and feelings. Some call for action; some call for prayer; some call for change.

Two decades removed from that awful day, I am taking time to reflect. I paused this morning to pay tribute, and to think about how my life honors those who gave theirs.

It feels like the wrong day for analysis and answers. To me, it feels like a day to remember and give gratitude. I have no agenda in writing this — except maybe one: To remember.

I remember that, two decades ago, hundreds of public servants awoke in the morning and prepared for work. They didn’t know that their parting words to their families would be the last things they ever said to them.

I remember that many of them demonstrated almost unthinkable bravery — sacrificing themselves so others could live. I remember the 412 firefighters, police officers, and emergency personnel who rushed headlong into danger — who ran into buildings that others were fleeing.

I remember that they didn’t make it home that night; I remember that their families still have an empty seat at the breakfast table today.

I was 31 when September 11th happened. My first child was born three years later; my company was still in its infancy. I was lucky — and I remember that many others my age were not as fortunate that day or in the years that followed.

No matter how hard life gets, no matter what personal challenges I face, I am blessed. I have the blessing of living to remember.

I hope you take time to remember today, too. Remember the lives lost, the families who still grieve. Remember them, and hold your own families close and dear.

We have the honor of living to remember — and we have a duty to never forget.

#NeverForget