John,

Nineteen years ago, I remember waking up to the television blaring in the common area of my UVA dorm room. News of an unprecedented attack was just unfolding, and my suitemates and I sat bewildered. We worried about our family and friends in New York and DC. We worried about that unexpected and unprecedented threat to our country.

As the hours unfolded, we saw the very definition of heroism as our first responders ran toward the chaos to do what they could. We saw President Bush step up to show the steady and thoughtful leadership we all needed through the trauma. We responded to his call for Americans to unite in our resolve for justice and peace with a powerful phrase—United We Stand. When all was said and done, 2,977 people tragically lost their lives and over 25,000 more were injured in those attacks. We prayed collectively for all those whose lives were affected by this tragic event. We still pray for them today.

In the aftermath of 9/11, I remember the oneness I felt across our nation in the face of such an incredible threat. I was convinced—more than any time before in my life—that we are truly one nation, one people. I felt the truth in Dr. King’s words—that we are “caught in an inescapable network of mutuality” and “tied in a single garment of destiny.” Also, I truly had no doubt that we would rise from that terrible moment, because I believed in what we were capable of when we all pulled together.

Nineteen years later, as I reflect on 9/11, I am reminded of how critical unity is to a nation’s perseverance through a crisis. I recognize the importance of honoring the memory of every single life that was lost, and doing so through our action and our perseverance. I recall how true leadership recognizes the bond that exists in collective pain and speaks power to our coalescing as a Union.

So while words will never capture the strength we saw or the gratitude we have for those who gave the ultimate sacrifice on September 11, 2001, words can help us remember. More than that, words can light our path forward in unity and peace for the crises our nation faces today and in all of our tomorrows. Let’s pause today to honor the memory of those lost and rededicate ourselves to carrying their legacy with us as we bear the burden of pressing forward.

Never Forget,

Cameron
Dr. Cameron Webb