Winston Churchill once gave a great speech regarding the Battle of France, and the effort to maintain and secure “freedom” during World War II.  In this speech, the watershed statement given was, “This was their finest hour.”   I would like to refer to this sentiment when it comes to the USA and our resolve immediately following 9-11, the terrorist attack which was now exactly 20 years ago. 

It was an “event” that us Americans should never forget, for various reasons.  Many will focus on the tragic occurrences of the day and what followed.  I would like to touch briefly on the day from my personal and professional perspectives, and what I witnessed that followed.  For what I remember shocked me, stirred me, and brought my opinion of my fellow Americans to new heights.   

I remember the day like it was yesterday.  I was a 41-year-old assistant principal working at the then recently built North Crowley High School.  I was also the father of a one-year-old baby boy.  At school, we had just begun the day, as students arrived at school by bus or car and began to commit to their classrooms.  The documented record shows that the first plane hit the initial building in NYC at 8:46am EST, or 7:46 Texas time.  Seventeen minutes later, at 9:03am EST/8:03am CST the second tower was struck by a second plane.  By the time the buildings began to collapse, there was mass hysteria almost everywhere in the country, and TV’s and conversations were buzzing throughout the building.  We had already entered the era of the cell phone, so it didn’t take long for planning and networking to take place.   

I remember parents beginning to call the school and asking for their students to be released, or they arrived in person after leaving work to pick up students.  The thought processes at the time were that if this was the “beginning of the end” of the world, they wanted their families to be at home together.  I remember vividly that this was one time when we as a school didn’t ask questions, we just required verification and then allowed them to depart.  As administrators, we stood by and assisted however we could.  It was a day of deep reflection, sorrow and regret. 

If I may, I’d like to now skip forward to the days and weeks that followed the tragedy.  I’ve said this before to several people, but I don’t think I will ever forget what I witnessed in the aftermath.  People, our people, coming together lie I’d never seen before, or in my humble opinion since.  Folks joining hands and joining in the effort to not only clean up, but aid and assist in any way possible.  Wallets and purses were open with unmatched generosity! 

People committed themselves to a joint effort to make things right, with their money, time, talents and any other available resources.  And this was regardless of ethnicity, race or religion, varied backgrounds or political party affiliations.  For the first, and maybe the only time in my life, “WE” were truly “One Nation under God.” 

So, as we reflect upon the events of 20 years ago, my questions are the following: Can we once again put away our differences as we honor those who gave their lives in service and sacrifice?  Can we come together to make positive changes for ourselves, but more importantly for our posterity?  Can we find a way to “build bridges” and mend lives, both figuratively and literally?  I truly think we can do it when we put aside foolish pride and humble ourselves.  We did it in 2001.  Remember, someone famous once said, “We Rise Together.”  In my humble opinion, this is still very true.