18 years ago today, I was riding the subway headed to work in lower Manhattan when our train suddenly came to a stop. After walking out of the station, I looked up and saw one of the Twin Towers aflame. When I saw the second tower on fire, I realized this was not an accident. Like you, I will never forget the horror and fear of that moment.
I was in my office when the towers crumbled. As the cloud of dust surrounded my building, I knew that neither our country nor any one of us would ever be the same.
From the rubble and devastation, New Yorkers, Americans and the world came together.
September 11, 2001 is a day we will forever remember. We will remember the horror we experienced – but we will also remember the spirit of unity as we stood side by side in our grief and desire to help. And we will remember those who lost loved ones and the heroes who gave their lives in service.
As we face uncertain times in our country today, let's not forget our reaction to the horror of 9/11: selflessness, sacrifices, unity and grace. That is us at our best.
