September 11: Why We Remember

September 11.  The very invocation of the name of this day evokes memories of sadness, horror, anger, fear.  That day was terrible for our nation and all those who lost loved ones in the terrible acts of terrorism in New York, Washington and Pennsylvania.

But today, 23 years on, we must move from sorrow to action.  This day should goad all of us who are educators into renewing our commitment to educate new generations of citizen leaders, courageous women and men who can rise up to heal the many divisions in this country, who can bring their intellectual power and moral fortitude to the critical tasks of working to build a greater sense of common good throughout the world.

September 11 has had ramifications that continue to this very day.  The divisions in this nation, the rise of racial and ethnic hatred, the desire on the part of some citizens to install a tyrant as president — these are all symptoms of the brokenness that September 11 brought to our body politic.  We must work even harder in this critical election year to raise up leaders who can advocate for peace, for hope and a pathway through to a better society.

We remember all those who lost their lives on that terrible day, and in the days and years thereafter, and the families who suffered so much for so long.  And we say “never again!” not as empty rhetoric but through the power of our example and advocacy for justice.