Below is an excerpt from an article I wrote for ERLC on the 18th anniversary of 9/11.
It’s been 18 years since the twin towers fell on that unsuspecting September morning. Before that day, 9/11 was simply a date on the calendar. It came and went each year with little fanfare or deep reflection. But once the towers were destroyed, the Pentagon was hit, and the heroes of Flight 93 made their stand to prevent further loss of life, our nation made a solemn vow that we would never forget.
Within the span of just a few hours, the tragic events of Sept. 11, 2001, brought Americans face to face with evil. Using four planes, the terrorist group al-Qaeda took from us the lives of thousands and struck fear into our hearts. Among the fallen were mothers, fathers, daughters, and sons. Left behind to grieve were children, parents, loved-ones, and friends. And in the wake of the attacks, people across the United States were fearful, feeling vulnerable and exposed.
I was only in the ninth grade then, but my memories of that day are some of the strongest of my youth. I watched in real time as the towers burned. I remember sitting in civics class, looking down at my textbook, and wondering what that day would mean to future generations. Probably my most vivid memory is the fear and uncertainty that seemed to grip us all, not just my classmates and me, but those we looked to for guidance: Teachers. Parents. Pastors. No one seemed to be at peace or certain about the future.
Read the rest here.
Joshua Wester 