I will remember you...

9 years. Really? Has it been that long? Some days it feels like moments, other it seems like some made for TV disaster movie. Like something plausible enough, and would have the feel good parts to show the strength of the human spirit in the face of unimaginable tragedy, but couldn't possibly happen.

Not here, anyway...

But it did, and we're still here to tell the tale - it's this decade's JFK/MLK/Challenger moment.

A moment that we can _not_ forget.

I did not personally know anyone who was there that day, but I remember them all.

You, sitting on the plane, flipping through the latest SkyMall, or trying to settle in to sleep, or contemplating coffee or a cocktail.

Or you, getting into work, chatting with co-workers in the breakroom, bemoaning another day, another dollar.

Or you, starting your day at the station, wondering what types of calls would come in today.

Or you... plotting and scheming, waiting for the moment all your planning will become action.

The ones who stood up and fought back, who had the chance to say goodbye, Who made the choice to keep other safe.

You, who had no choice.

You, who ran towards the ever growing pile of rubble instead of away from it.

Me, feeling helpless, alone, and shocked. Here? How?! Who's next?

And the rest of us, wounded, but determined, and united behind a single purpose - heal this wound and never. let it happen. again.

So here we are, 9 years and some odd hours later. Have we healed? Will we ever truly heal?

The weeks leading up today has been fraught strife, conflict, finger pointing, name calling and all sorts of other less than honorable behavior. The smoke and mirrors of small people have clouded the magnitude of what took place 9 years ago. Our eyes are averted to petty matters, rather than staying focused on hope.

I will remember what is important: United we stand. Divided, we fall.

I will remember: That's what they wanted 9 years ago. And I'm willing to bet they haven't forgotten.