This September 11th

On this day, September 11, 2013, you might be transported back to the shocking horror of the Twin Towers falling in plumes of black fire and dust. Perhaps you are taken back to our Pentagon crumbling from Flight 77’s impact; maybe you hear an echo of the “Let’s Roll!” bravery of the heroes of Flight 93. Wherever your mind takes you, the surrounding bustle will fade to solemn silence while thinking of so many fellow-Americans who lost their lives.

In the events that followed September 11, 2001, the world witnessed strangers, people from every walk of life as well as first responders, flooding the streets to carry the injured to safety and the fallen to a place of peace beyond the chaos.

We all remember where we were and what we were doing twelve years ago today and the love we freely offered our neighbors. The horrors of that infamous day should never be forgotten; neither should the acts of love that inspired hope when murderous malice sought to dim our nation’s outlook.

Today, may we unite once again, across every barrier that divides us, in loving memory of innocent life lost and exceptional acts of ennobling heroism. May we resolve that the ultimate sacrifices made will inspire us to strive to be the very best of who we are: blessed fellow-citizens of this “last best hope of man on earth.”

May God bless America and our great state of South Carolina.