This week we remember the anniversary of September 11, 2001. Over twenty year later, we are still reminded of the ripple-effects of that fateful day. Together, as a nation, we continue to honor the victims of 9/11 and the ultimate sacrifice of many service people in the wars since.

On September 11, we reflect on the pain we have sustained and honor the victims who came from all walks of life.

All the Victims

The 2,983 victims of the attacks of September 11th included Americans from all corners of the country and every walk of life. While these victims’ families will always carry their loss, their stories will live on. This is as a reminder of what it means to be American.

Evil knocked us down that morning. The stories of hope and heroism that emerged from the carnage are a testament to our national resilience, a signature of the American spirit. We immediately began to rebuild, strengthened by goodness and rooted in solidarity.

Reactions

Don’t forget as we mourned in the days following 9/11—in the grocery store, on the school bus, at football games—we also walked with unease, the comfort of our daily routines assaulted. And for some, it brought out bitterness and hate.

Revenge Attacks

The first revenge attack after 9/11 came a mere four days later. At an Arizona gas station he owned and operated, Balbir Sigh Sodhi was shot by an angry assailant. He was a hardworking Indian Immigrant and a Sikh, whose religious tradition and peaceful manner was rooted in his embrace of all people, regardless of background.

Yet, all these years later, some of that hatred and misguided fear still festers. In fact, some may say in recent months, it’s been emboldened.

We cannot allow it. We must remember what the hours after 9/11 taught us about who we are.

We are One America.

We are a nation of helpers and doers.

We do not cower in the face of threats; we stand strong to our values.

We keep serving and striving toward the more perfect realization of our ideal