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Dear Fellow Americans,
September 11th marks a somber day in our nation’s history. Today, we remember our fellow innocent Americans who were murdered in the heinous attack on our nation by ruthless terrorists consumed with hatred for our American belief in Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness. Included in the almost 3,000 Americans who lost their lives on that day were 161 friends, neighbors, colleagues and members of our families who lived in Connecticut. May our memories of them always be a blessing to all of us who knew and loved them.
Albeit a day of mourning and remembrance of all that we lost, it also serves as a reminder that even in the depths of despair, there is more that unites us as Americans than divides us. As President Bush said that day, “America was targeted for attack because we're the brightest beacon for freedom and opportunity in the world. And no one will keep that light from shining.” Even when attacked, America remained a symbol of hope, resilience and freedom. That is who we are as Americans.
Twenty-one years ago, as smoke billowed, people all over the world watched in horror as the iconic, majestic Twin Towers burned and ultimately collapsed. My personal memories of that day are as vivid as if it was yesterday. The day began as any other, getting my sons ready for school and out the door, dropping my youngest off and attending the first meeting for that school year of the Parents Board on which I served. In the middle of the meeting, the headmaster walked in and announced that a plane had just flown into the World Trade Center. Two women (whose husbands worked in the Towers) shrieked and I will never get the sound of their shrieks out of my head. I turned to my friend, Mary, and said to her: “We have just been attacked by Islamist Terrorists, it’s probably Al Qaeda.” Incredulous, she asked how I knew.
There are many other moments that day forever etched in my memory but the most poignant was when I drove passed the home of a neighbor and saw the gathering cars in her driveway and radiating down the nearby streets in all directions. Her husband worked in the World Trade Center and was murdered that day.
We, the American People, proved our fortitude and courage to the world in the grim aftermath. Day after day, we picked ourselves up and moved forward resolutely and united as a nation. Old Glory was ubiquitous on homes, buildings and lapels. Through the ashes, we came together to stand beside our brave first responders: fire fighters, police officers, military, ambulance corps, search dogs and the countless civilians who proved that bravery has many faces in America. Without a doubt, that day will forever live in the collective memory of our great nation.
Today, as we remember and mourn again, we come together as Americans, celebrating the blessings of Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness in the greatest nation on Earth, but we will never forget those we lost, who were taken from our midst nor what occurred on that day.
God Bless America.
In Service,
Leora Levy
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