LETTER: Let remembering 9/11 bring us together for a day at least

To Ozaukee Press:

  Sept. 11, 2022, marks the 21st anniversary of the terrorist attacks that shook our nation. Like Pearl Harbor for another generation, Sept. 11 marks a day in American history that will go down in infamy. 

American Airlines flight 11 hit the north tower of the World Trade Center at 8:46 a.m. United Flight 175 hit into the south tower at 9:03 a.m. At 9:37 a.m. American flight 77 crashed into the west side of the Pentagon. United flight 93 was headed to hit either the White House or Capitol building, but due to the bravery of its crew and passengers, instead crashed into a field in Shanksville, Pa. 

A total of 2,977 lives were lost, over 25,000 injuries occurred, and long term health consequences occurred for many others involved in rescue and other 9/11 related duties. Of the counted casualties, 340 were firefighters and 72 were law enforcement officers. 

On a personal note, we were living in upstate New York, Rochester area, at the time. My husband Mike had flown into LaGuardia that morning. It turned out to be the last flight in before the crashes. He was there on business and was driving on the Queensboro bridge when the second plane hit the second tower. He saw the plume of smoke emitting from the towers while he was on the bridge. He had three co-workers who lost spouses in the Towers that day. A co-worker of mine lost a son-in-law in one of the towers that morning. A neighbor’s brother walked out of the south tower but was so traumatized that he never went back to the job he held at the time.

     On this Sept. 11, I encourage all Americans to take time to remember those who were lost that day. The victims of the 9/11 terrorists were of every race, creed and gender. Any political differences our country had were put aside in the interest of the American common good and survival. In this day and time in the U.S., it seems hard to agree upon any cause to unite us. At least for one day this year let Americas remember and pray for those who perished on Sept. 11, 2001 and come together to honor their sacrifice.      

The Wisconsin 9/11 Memorial and Education Center in Kewaskum will hold ceremonies on Sunday, Sept. 11 starting at 1p.m.  The memorial was founded in memory of Andrea Haberman, who died in the 9/11 attacks by her family, friends and the community. The 9/11 Wisconsin Memorial website also includes suggestions for books, lesson plans and other helpful 9/11 links.

     A quote by then New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani sums up remembering 9/11 for many of us: “The attacks of Sept. 11 were intended to break our spirit. Instead, we have emerged stronger and more unified.  We feel renewed devotion to the principles of political, economic and religious freedom, the rule of law and the respect for human life. We are more determined than ever to live our lives in freedom.”

Karen Meador

Port Washington