For millions of Americans, the first-hand memories of the most tragic day in America will never leave them. We hear deeply emotional stories from others and recall glimpses into our own past – each as devastating as the last. The older, more cognizant generations are forever stricken from that day, September 11, 2001. Tomorrow marks the 23rd anniversary of the day.

However, the common saying “never forget” is continuing its march towards becoming just that task; to never forget. Each year that passes further from that day, there are more and more Americans coming of age who do not possess the haunting first-hand memories. The responsibility to uphold the promise to never forget falls on the shoulders of those who do remember. One solemn day out of the year to mourn a tragedy that they did not personally go through and process is not enough to carry on the stories of the masses lost and legacy of the heroes who thought only of others that day.

Tell your children of the bravery of the 343 firefighters who lost their lives that day. Tell them of the 2,996 people struck down for just being in the wrong place at the wrong time. Tell them of the outpouring of aid and support from around the nation and the globe in the Nation’s darkest time. Tell them of the 2,996, the Towers, the Pentagon and of the passengers on Flight 93.

Tomorrow, please attend your local 9/11 Memorial Ceremony, and bring your young ones. A few taking place are at the Smallwood-Mongaup Valley Fire Department at 8 a.m., Town of Highland Hero’s Park at 6 p.m., Wurtsboro Firehouse (put on by Wurtsboro Fire Department and the American Legion Mamakating Post 1266) at 6:45 p.m and the Monticello Fire Department at 7 p.m. The Town of Liberty is also hosting a service at LaPolt Park at 6 p.m.

The Twin Towers still stand tall in the hearts of those who never forget for themselves and for those who came after. Towers rise in the hope of humanity’s future, and are destroyed by hatred, but the stories of the people who experienced it all will remain forever, as long as they are passed down.