Keeping 9/11 in our memory

The first plane struck at 8:45 a.m. that morning, spewing more than 20,000 gallons of jet fuel and flames throughout the 80th floor of the World Trade Center north tower, killing hundreds of people and trapping others in the 110-story building.

The next attack came at 9:03 a.m. The plane crashed into the 60th floor of the south tower, setting off an explosion that killed hundreds, trapped others and rained debris on the New York streets below.

At 9:45 a.m., a third plane targeted the Pentagon. Almost 200, including 64 people on board the airliner, died in that attack.

Twenty-five minutes later, depending on how you view it, the attack continued or America began to fight back.

With knowledge of the prior attacks, the passengers of United Flight 93 chose to fight their hijackers, which eventually led to the plane slamming into a field in Shanksville, Pa. Forty-five passengers lost their lives — but untold others were saved because the jet failed to reach its unknown target.

The casualty count of 9/11 numbered more than 3,000. They were men, women and children going about their daily lives. And all too suddenly, they were victims of a war they didn’t even know we were fighting.

That war — the War on Terror — continues today.

Through heroic efforts both here and abroad, we’ve been blessed to avoid another major assault on a mainland target.

Some of those efforts — NSA eavesdropping, full-body frisks at airports, etc. — have earned their share of critics. And to some degree, rightfully so.

After all, we vowed not to allow 9/11 to change our way of life. But in essence, it has and forever will.

But that doesn’t mean we’ve given in. We’ve just adjusted and continue to fight back.

For those directly affected, it’s not likely that time will heal all wounds. They will come to accept it, but they will never forget the pain and anguish.

Likewise, the American people aren’t soon to forget that fateful day when we were under attack.

Unfortunately, though, as time passes, some lessons of 9/11 begin to fade.

Where’s the kindred spirit and willingness to work together? It would be nice to see that return, starting along the Beltway in Washington, D.C., where our elected leaders could set the tone.

If anything, the political scene has become more bitter and hate-filled since 9/11.

And it would be nice to see the reaction and support shown to military and first responders shortly after the attacks.

The horrific events of 9/11 and the aftermath showed us the heroes they then were and continue to be. They are there for us each and every day. We should remember that and be more thankful.

As a country, we survived the attacks and continue to thrive in many avenues. But there will be no greater revenge on those who attacked us — and continue to hate us — than to show that the U.S. can continue to thrive as a country that first and foremost values its people and the citizens of the world.

Working together, we can continue to be the greatest country in the world, one able to help those both here and abroad enjoy a more enriching life.

Then, we will know that victory is ours.