Nineteen years ago, our nation faced perhaps our darkest hour. In remembrance of that fateful day, I am taking time today to honor those we lost and thank the first responders who risked everything to save the lives of others.

We saw the worst and the best of humanity on September 11th, 2001 – and we all wondered how this would change us. We should never forget the sense of community we all felt in the days and weeks following the attacks, nor the charity and love for our neighbors that makes America exceptional.

In a moment of crisis, the best of us was on display, from the neighbors who offered a shoulder to cry on to the first responders who gave their lives running into the chaos. We rose together to show that we are better than the hate and violence on display that horrible day.

So let’s take time today to remember the many lives that were lost nineteen years ago and work to come together as a nation to build a better future.

– David