9/11: Seven years later

By Jennifer J. Foster

Today is the seventh anniversary of the September 11 terrorist attacks.

Sure, you will never forget what happened. But beyond remembering, take some time to reflect this morning and throughout the day on what that day meant to you, to your country and to your world.

Visit the Families of September 11 web site to see a list of commemoration activities and memorials by state. It is not an exhaustive list of events by any means, but it will give you an idea of what your fellow citizens are doing to remember.

Several events are also planned to mark the anniversary throughout Alabama. Click here for a rundown of what’s going on in Montgomery, including “Not Forgotten: A Night of Patriotism,” an event hosted by about 12 churches at Paterson Field. Here in Auburn, firefighters will ring the Station 1 bell 343 times—once for each firefighter lost in the World Trade Center. The City of Hoover also has events planned.

At least nine people with Alabama connections died in the 9/11 attacks, according to WHNT-TV in Huntsville.

If you can’t participate in a memorial service, check out some of these sites:

Visit the Children of September 11 web site to remember the youngest victims of the worst terrorist attack on American soil. These children are growing up without a parent. Many had moms or dads who went to work and never came home. Others never knew their fathers. Remember that children have sacrificed – and are continuing to sacrifice – too.

Check out any of the memorial pages for the sites of the attacks: The National September 11 Memorial & Museum at the World Trade Center, the Pentagon Memorial Fund and the Flight 93 National Memorial (or NPS site).

Browse through some of the YouTube videos that catalog much of the news coverage from that day. Watch and remember how national television journalists struggled to make sense of what was happening along with the rest of us.

Check out the 9/11 Commission Report and read about how we can help ensure that nothing like this ever happens again.

May God comfort the families of those lost, and may He protect those of us who remain – and remember.