Remembering

By Andrew J. Pisani

With the 15th anniversary of September 11, 2001 drawing near, it’s startling to realize how quickly time passes. For me, that day remains as vivid as ever. I was just 2 block north on Church Street when the 1st plane flew less than 80 feet over my head on its way to destruction.

As I reflect on that day, I remember all those lost and think of what is truly important in my life — my family, my friends, my co-workers.  As most of us that were affected by the events of 9/11, we processes that day in our own way, some choose to remember, some choose to forget.

No matter how you chose to grieve and heal, we all face the reality of the passage of time.  When you look at the World Trade Center site today, it’s a tribute to the American spirit.  You have to marvel at the workers, their skills, and their work. The minds of the architects and engineers, the physical skills of the craftsmen. What everyone has collectively accomplished at the site. The building is beautiful and monumental, amazing and reflective, joyous and somber. A tribute to the past and future at the same time.

My own office window on the 10th floor has stared directly into the site for the past 10 years. I’ve seen the earth movers, the foundation, the concrete and steel. I’ve seen it take shape, day by day, year by year. What I see today is a physical embodiment of American Pride.

In the scheme of this City, 15 years is a blink of an eye. Time moves on, our skyline evolves. This week, as we approach the anniversary, join me in taking a deep breath and remembering what is truly important in your life.

God Bless America.