Ten Years Later

Sunday marks the 10th anniversary of the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon. This is one of those events, for those of us living in this part of the country, that all of us know where we were when the first plane struck the tower. In some ways it changed life as we know it and in other ways a decade has gone by and so little has changed about our safety or our presumption of safety.

Not since the 1800's had we had a "war" on American soil. While we have certainly risen to the occasion and helped, sometimes reluctantly through out the world, this time was different. They hit us at home, on a beautiful sunny day that could have been like any - other except it wasn't.

Many of you know that in 2002 I worked in the Governor's office. Part of my responsibility as Deputy of Chief of Staff was "special projects" and the 9-11 survivors became my responsibility. We planned events, worked on the Memorial and I watched people process their grief. For some it was always present, looking for answers and closure. For others their work on the Memorial was a place to focus their attention. For all, the loss they had suffered would change their lives forever and for some it would also take a lifetime of healing.

Much like we often do here, I felt like I had such an intimate view of their pain and their healing. This week we are going to see their pain again, as the press looks to make it real again for everyone else. For those who lost loved ones, it doesn't have to be made real - they live it every day.

Ten years later my wish is that the Memorial at the World Trade Center site provides a historic monument to honor all those who died that day and to the rest of the world - to show that no matter how devastating or how much harm is caused in America, we will go on, finding a way to honor the past and create hope for the future.

So do you have a memory or wish as we approach the 10th anniversary that you would be willing to share?