On this Eleventh Day of September

As tragedies surround us and tensions divide us, I am reminded of that silent dawn of September 12 when the skies were clear. Not one streak in the sky. Every flight across our nation grounded.

Americans came together, united by tragedy.

Strangers became instant friends.

Everyone stood for the National Anthem and felt the deeply passionate need to stand.

Today, tragedies across our country bring us together to put out fires, feed the hungry, shelter the cold and weary, embrace those who are hurting. Together, we will restore power, rebuild homes and cities, and renew life in those who have lost so much.

As the days and weeks pass, as life gets back to “normal,” let’s not wait for the next tragedy to unite us. Let’s forget about the things that divide us and focus on coming together.