Most of us Americans will always remember where we were and what we were doing when the September 11, 2001 attacks occurred. Even if you don’t, it is a day to contemplate and remember.

We in America had been going along as if everything was wonderful and nothing too bad ever happened. And, then BAM! Just like that, one September morning, a well-coordinated and executed attack changed everything. Close to 3000 people lost their lives that day in the various explosions. First responders lost their lives trying to rescue people. Many, many families lost previous loved ones. People lost friends. Everyone lost security. If something this devastating could happen once, it could happen again. Even though people in other parts of the world have lived like this for years, here in America we had been blessed not to do so.

So many things changed overnight. Air travel changed forever. People were afraid to fly for a long time and new regulations were added that still effect us today. The stock market plunged. People lost their jobs and or businesses due to the ensuing insecurity in the nation. Let’s face it. Things were bad for a while.

Fortunately, we had a strong president who knew how to bring people together and wasn’t afraid to speak out for truth and justice. Leaders like him plus the indomitable spirit of the American people turned things around to where we are today.

No, those people who died that day are not coming back. The false security we thought we had in this country has never been restored to pre-September 11 levels. We still have military forces fighting in different regions as a direct result of the September 11 attacks.

What we do have is hope. Hope that nothing like this will ever happen again. Hope that it if should, we will stand together once again as a nation full of concerned citizens. Hope that the victims of September 11 did not die in vain.

Yes, there are still ongoing political issues and conflicts related to the September 11 attacks, things that interfere with commemorating the true heroes of that awful day. But don’t let it keep you down. Don’t give them that power.

You as an individual and we as a nation should honor the people who sacrificed themselves that day. Speak of them often. Share their stories. Don’t let the children in our nation lose sight of just what happened in our nation that day. Be positive and uplifting. Continue to live your lives, grow your businesses, and raise your families.

Take time to remember–and then move on with renewed strength.