On this day twenty years ago, America was changed forever.

The attacks on our country that took place on September 11, 2001 took the lives of parents and grandparents, aunts and uncles, brothers and sisters. More than 3,000 innocent lives were tragically lost. My thoughts and prayers are with the families who lost loved ones in New York, Virginia, Pennsylvania, and Washington, DC.

The attacks, horrific as they were, also revealed our resilience and courage as a people. We saw great acts of kindness, humanity, and patriotism – both on that day and in the recovery period after.

We need that same courage today, to defeat a common enemy in the deadly pandemic that has claimed the lives of over 650,000 people in the United States.

Our country was tested on September 11, 2001, and we’re being tested once again. Just like in the aftermath of 9/11, first responders and healthcare workers are risking their lives to save others. These men and women are our backbone, our source of strength through difficult times.

We thank those who showed up in one of America’s darkest hours and continue to protect and serve. As we honor the memory of lives lost both then and now, let’s find the strength to get through this together.

– David