Minute with the Mayor: Twenty-Five Years Later, We Still Remember

Twenty-five years ago, on the morning of September 11, 2001, America changed forever.

Most of us who were old enough to remember that day can still recall where we were when we heard the news. We watched in disbelief as the World Trade Center towers were struck and later fell. We learned that another plane had crashed into the Pentagon, and we heard of the courage of the passengers and crew aboard United Flight 93, whose actions prevented an even greater tragedy.

Nearly 3,000 innocent people lost their lives that day. Firefighters, police officers, emergency personnel, and ordinary citizens ran toward danger while others were trying to escape it. Many gave their lives attempting to save people they had never met.

Twenty-five years later, we still remember.

We remember the victims who went to work, boarded an airplane, or began what they thought would be an ordinary Tuesday morning but never returned home.

We remember the first responders who climbed stairwells carrying heavy equipment while frightened people were coming down. They knew the danger, yet they continued upward because someone needed help.

We remember the families who received phone calls they never wanted to receive and those who waited for loved ones who never came home.

But there is something else about September 11 that I believe America should remember.

We should remember September 12.

In the days following the attacks, Americans came together. Flags appeared on homes, businesses, vehicles, and street corners. Churches filled with people praying. Political differences seemed smaller. Neighbors checked on neighbors. Strangers helped strangers. We were reminded that despite our differences, we were Americans.

For a time, we remembered how much we needed one another—and how much we needed God.

The Bible tells us, “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” — Psalm 46:1

Twenty-five years later, our nation could use some of that September 12 spirit again.

We do not have to agree on everything to love our country. We do not have to think alike on every issue to treat one another with respect. We can disagree without becoming enemies. And we should never become so comfortable with the freedoms we enjoy that we forget the sacrifices that have preserved them.

Here in Sparta and White County, September 11 should also remind us to appreciate those who serve us every day—our firefighters, law enforcement officers, emergency medical personnel, dispatchers, military members, veterans, and all those who answer the call when others are in danger.

Many of them will never have their names written in a history book. They simply get up each day, put on the uniform, and serve.

On this 25th anniversary of September 11, I encourage every family to take a moment to remember. Tell our children what happened that day. Teach them about the lives that were lost and the heroes who emerged. Fly the American flag. Thank a first responder. Pray for the families who still carry the scars of that terrible morning.

And pray for America.

May we never forget September 11, 2001.

May we never forget the nearly 3,000 lives that were taken.

May we never forget those who ran toward the danger.

May we never forget the unity that followed.

And may we never forget that in our darkest hours, our hope ultimately rests not in government, politics, or human strength, but in Almighty God.

We remember. We honor. We pray.

God bless the families of those we lost.

God bless our first responders and military.

God bless Sparta and White County.

And God bless the United States of America.

Jerry Lowery
Mayor, City of Sparta

Be Safe. Finish Strong. God Bless