WE REMEMBER

                Fifteen years ago, we saw the twin towers at the World Trade Center collapse, the Pentagon burst into flames, and an airliner crash into a field in Pennsylvania. The scenes were heartbreaking and horrifying to watch. The attacks on September 11, 2001, in New York City and Washington, DC and the downing of a hijacked plane in Pennsylvania shook the nation and the world. It ushered in a new era of terrorism and violence that does not seem will end any time soon.

                On that horrific day four jet airliners were hijacked by nineteen Al Qaeda suicide bombers. Two planes intentionally were crashed into the World Trade Center North and South Towers, causing their collapse. A third plane crashed into the Pentagon in Washington. A fourth plane crashed in Bucks County in Western Pennsylvania, when passengers fought the hijackers for control of the cockpit.

                Over three thousand civilians lost their lives that September 11th. Millions more, including thousands of first responders, were impacted by the events of that day. Many suffered shock and trauma and the loss of loved ones. First responders and rescue teams also suffered ongoing health consequences from working at the site of the World Trade Center. People still live in fear of terrorism striking anytime, anywhere and we have seen it happen on several different occasions. Terror continues to overshadow our world.

                We can never forget this day in history. This is a good time to commit ourselves to the ongoing quest for peace and an end of violence beginning in our own relationships and our own communities before reaching out nationally and globally.

                Let each of us spend some time today praying for peace and thinking of ways we can be people of peace.