NEVER FORGET

It’s been 25 years since 9/11. I remember exactly where I was and what I was doing when my sister called and urged me to turn on the television. Still clutching the phone, I stood horrified, not certain what I was seeing until the second plane came into view.

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We said we’d never forget.

Though we’ve not forgotten the horror of September 11, 2001, we have forgotten the unity that followed.

We’ve not forgotten the patriotism and faith that rose from the ashes, but we have neglected it.

We’ve not forgotten the connection we felt or the strength we borrowed from each other as the tragedy unfolded, but we haven’t nurtured it either.

No, we haven’t forgotten September 11th, but perhaps we have failed to remember the unity that rose to greet us on September 12th.

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The smoke cleared.

A new day dawned.

We were forever changed.

As a nation. As communities.

As families. As individuals.

First by shock, then by grief, 

sharing the weight

of unbearable sorrow. 

We watched, we cried, we prayed.

Standing shoulder to shoulder,

we bore the anguish.

Accepted the scars.

We prayed for those lost.

For those who rose up.

For those who gave all.

We pledged they’d never be forgotten.

That they did not die in vain. 

We vowed America would rise stronger.

One Nation, indivisible.

United under God. 

We renewed our commitment to freedom,

proudly saluted our flag, 

and pledged allegiance to our country.

As morning dawned

we remained resolute

Transformed by grief,

but fortified by faith.

September 11th was meant to break us.

On September 12th we rose united,

believing in how truly strong we are

when we stand together.

Perhaps it’s time we remember

September 12th again.

JN Fenwick (© 2018-2026)

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JN Fenwick | mothjournal14 | (© 2026) | All rights reserved. | I DO NOT WALK THIS RECOVERY JOURNEY ALONE.