09/11/2026
It’s hard to believe it has been 25 years.
September 11 will never feel like just another date on the calendar. Every year, I pause, remember, watch World Trade Center and allow myself to feel the weight of that day all over again.
For me, it is deeply personal. I was born and raised on Long Island—the son of an NYPD officer, with cousins and uncles who served in the NYPD and FDNY, and many relatives who lived or worked in New York City. Although we moved to Gloucester, Virginia, during my junior year of high school, New York will always be part of who I am. I love Virginia, but I will always be from New York.
On September 11, 2001, Taylor was only 26 months old and Evan was 13 months old. I remember exactly where I was and the urgency I felt as I rushed home from work. I remember watching the second plane strike the World Trade Center and realizing, in that moment, that our world would never be the same.
Twenty-five years later, Evan now serves in the United States Navy. That makes today’s remembrance feel even more personal. I think about the first responders who ran toward danger, the military members who answered the call in the years that followed, the families whose lives were forever changed and the thousands of ordinary people who showed extraordinary courage.
One quote has stayed with me through the years. Sandy Dahl, whose husband, Jason Dahl, was the captain of Flight 93, said:
“If we learn nothing else from this tragedy, we learn that life is short and there is no time for hate.”
Those words may be even more important today.
Life is too short to remain angry, hold grudges, live with regret or withhold kindness. Tomorrow is never promised. Love your family. Call the person you have been meaning to call. Forgive when you can. Help someone who needs it. Worry less about the things that do not matter and hold tightly to the people who do.
On this 25th anniversary, may we remember not only how many lives were lost, but also how our nation came together. May we honor them by choosing compassion over division, service over self-interest and love over hate.
Dear Lord, thank You for Your grace, mercy and unfailing love. Please comfort the families who continue to carry the pain of September 11. Strengthen our first responders, protect the men and women serving our country and bring peace to every heart that is hurting today.
When fear, discouragement or uncertainty surrounds us, remind us that You remain in control. Help us live with greater faith, gratitude, kindness and purpose. May we never forget those we lost, those who served and those who sacrificed everything.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.
We remember. We honor. We will never forget.
