Nineteen years ago today, I was in New York City, on my second day of grad school, when 9/11 took place.
I remember the fear, the sounds of sirens headed downtown, the F-16s that flew overhead, and later, the sound of the bagpipes accompanying the remains of first responders.
Our country was forever changed by those events, as was my life. This day, 19 years ago, was what started my career in national security. A year later, I was recruited by the CIA to be a Middle East analyst.
Each year, we mark 9/11 by remembering those who were lost. It was a generational event.
But this year, we mark this day in the middle of yet another generational event, the COVID-19 crisis.
We were not the same country after 9/11 –– and it may be quite the same with COVID.
But what I also remember so vividly after 9/11 was the way the country came together in the months after the attacks.
We were united in respecting the sacrifice of the first responders, and in answering the call to come together as Americans.
Today, in a time of division, I hope this anniversary reminds us of lessons from that day: that fear & anger are powerful, but not as powerful as courage & unity. That serving others and our communities is the highest calling.
That our greatest strengths are the ideals we share.
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