By Staff
On the morning of Sept. 11, 2001, the nation stopped as a tragedy we would never have imagined took place in the air above New York City and Washington D.C. The shock of that American nightmare did not stall our bravest heroes for long, as people joined immediately in the rescue of those who had survived, in memorializing those who lost their lives and in securing the safety of the rest of us.
Prior to the tragedy, most of us were unaware of the immediate dangers we faced from terrorists and unprepared for having our security shaken so close to home, but the nation is a new place now. We've mourned the loss of those killed on Sept. 11 and exhalted the rescue workers who rushed to everyone's aid before the dust had even settled. We've accepted changes in our daily lives like still frequent mentions of the event in the media, tighter security at airports and large gatherings, and the addition of an enormous and solemn meaning to the words "nine eleven" in our national consciousness.
As the third anniversary of Sept. 11, 2001 approaches this week, we remember the losses that were suffered and acknowledge the strength we've gained in its wake.