Editor, The Smithfield Times:

On Sept. 11, 2001, our nation witnessed one of the darkest days in its history. 

That morning, the world changed in an instant as the Twin Towers fell, the Pentagon was attacked, and Flight 93 was heroically brought down in a field in Pennsylvania. Nearly 3,000 innocent lives were taken from us, but their memory lives on in the hearts and minds of every American. To this day, we stand united in honoring their memory and reflecting on the profound impact they left behind.

The lives lost on that day were more than numbers or names in history books. They were mothers, fathers, sons, daughters, friends and colleagues. Each one had a story, dreams and loved ones waiting for them to return home. 

We will never forget the bravery of the first responders who ran into danger when others fled. They risked, and in many cases gave, their lives to save others, showing us the true meaning of heroism. These courageous men and women, alongside countless ordinary citizens, became extraordinary in the face of unthinkable horror.

As a Navy veteran who has had the privilege of working alongside some of this nation’s finest, I feel a deep connection to the resolve and courage shown that day. We will never forget the sacrifice of those who were lost, and the unity that followed across our country. It wasn’t just in the places immediately affected by the attacks, but in homes, workplaces and communities around the world. We came together, bound by our shared grief and our determination to ensure that the evil of that day would not define us.

In the aftermath, we saw the best of humanity. People across the nation donated blood, gave supplies and offered whatever they could to support the recovery efforts. Strangers embraced, offering comfort to one another, reminding us all that we are stronger together. The resilience of those who survived, and the families who lost their loved ones, continues to inspire us.

Me, Rosie and the people around us will *never* forget. Every year, we pause to reflect on the lives taken and the bravery shown. We remember the lessons learned about resilience, sacrifice and unity. We remember, because forgetting is not an option. The legacy of 9/11 is a reminder that even in our darkest moments, we rise, we come together, and we endure.

We will *never* forget.

Mitch Simmons

Smithfield