Always Remember, Never Forget

Today is a day that will never be normal.

Every September 11, I remember where I was when I saw the second plane hit. I also remember sitting in class and watching the Towers fall.

Now I will also remember waking up on the morning of September 11, 2012, and reading the news that Ambassador Chris Stevens and 3 others were killed in Benghazi, Libya. I also remember all of the attacks on our Embassies around the world thanks to the youtube video that I refuse to name.

It was not a good day.

Maybe one day I'll have more positive memories about September 11, but I hope I always remember to take a moment and think about those who lost their lives on that day in 2001 and 2012. And I hope I remember them in days other than September 11 as they deserve more than to be remembered solely in tragedy.

In fact, I prefer the phrase "always remember" to "never forget" because it feels more active. Actively remembering takes more effort than not forgetting on one day a year.

My plan is to to be thankful for what I have every day, and to remember those who lost their lives on September 11 more than just once a year.