It is difficult to believe that 20 years have passed since September 11th. Some years it feels like yesterday, and some it feels like several lifetimes ago. Although recent events bring it back close to home.

A total of 2,996 people were killed in the 9/11 attacks, including the 19 terrorist hijackers aboard the four airplanes. Citizens of 90 countries died in New York, Washington, D.C., and Pennsylvania.

At the World Trade Center, 2,763 died after the two planes crashed into the twin towers. That figure includes 343 firefighters and paramedics, 23 New York City police officers and 37 Port Authority police officers who were struggling to complete an evacuation of the buildings and save the office workers trapped on higher floors.

At the Pentagon, 189 people were killed, including 64 on American Airlines Flight 77, the airliner that struck the building. On Flight 93, 44 people died when the plane crash-landed in Pennsylvania.

Over 2,400 US troops have been killed in action since 9/11. Please make sure that you remember to think of them and thank them for their sacrifice. Especially the 10 Marines, two Soldiers and one Sailor that were recently killed in Kabul. We all know that freedom is never free, and I am thankful for all of the men and women who are willing to go out and defend that freedom every day.

Also remember our First Responders. Those who were killed on 9/11 and those currently active. Our firefighters, EMS, law enforcement — who all get up every day and go to work knowing they may not make it home.

As we see more and more years pass, please make sure you are talking to your children about what happened that day too. It’s important that this event doesn’t just become another tick in their history lessons. If you aren’t sure how to broach the subject 911memorial.org actually has a section about talking to kids. But I do want to share one section on emphasizing hope:
“Terrorism exposes us to the worst in people. But we often hear stories of wonderful, compassionate, and heroic deeds that occur during or after such an attack. Shock and sadness can bring people — families, friends, and strangers alike — together in a unique way. Help your children recognize how their own compassion can prevent future acts of intolerance and violence by reminding them to express their ideas respectfully and to treat people who are different from themselves with kindness. Help children identify ways they can help others, whether those directly impacted by the event or others in need in their own community.”

And finally, if you are looking for a way to honor the victims and first responders that lost their lives on 9/11, please join me at the Loyalsock High School Football Field for the 9/11 Heroes Challenge. Get outside, get some exercise, and remember those who didn’t go home to their families that day. Stop by anytime between 8:00 a.m. and noon, and take the Challenge, or just support those that are!

“Terrorist attacks can shake the foundations of our biggest buildings, but they cannot touch the foundation of America. These acts shatter steel, but they cannot dent the steel of American resolve.” ~ George W. Bush