John,

Today, as we mark the 20th anniversary of the September 11th attack on America, I'm struck by how deep and enduring the impact of that day has been on our Long Island community. Each year, as I travel to memorial services across the region, I see evidence of that impact everywhere and today will be no different -- the American flag that flies from so many homes, the "Never Forget" bumper stickers, and the steel beam memorials in each little town square that call us to remember the now immortal sacrifice of first responders who ran toward danger to save others.

We've lost -- and continue to lose -- too many friends, loved ones and heroes. After 20 years, the memory of my dad, a local volunteer firefighter, attending memorial after memorial for first responders he knew personally is still so vivid to me it's as if it all happened just yesterday. I imagine many Long Islanders have similar memories. Others have lost loved ones, either during the attacks, or later, of illnesses contracted after working "on the pile" at Ground Zero. And on this day, we must include in our thoughts the service members who fought the War on Terror and died fighting for their country, more than two dozen servicemembers from Suffolk County alone.

As hard as it sometimes is, it's important that we continue to remember these precious lives. Yet, it is equally important to acknowledge the unity, compassion and resilience we have felt as we endured these losses.

Ironically, there is an entire generation of young people who have no memory of that day.

It is up to those of us who lived it, who remember life before 9/11, to continue to honor the memory of all who died that day. And it's vitally important that we share our experiences with our younger friends, relatives, students and coworkers. While there are dozens of books about 9/11, nothing can substitute for sharing our personal stories.

Twenty years later, we can all help keep the memory of that day alive. Indeed, sharing that history with one another and with those too young to remember, is one of the most meaningful ways we can honor those who were lost.

Thinking of you,

Kara Hahn

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