Today is September 11th, 2023, a day that reminds us of all of the lost lives this country sustained at the hands of 19 hijackers of 4 planes that took the lives of over 3385 people in one single morning. While the exact number of victims that morning is unknown, the breakdown of known victims is as follows. World Trade Center 3156, (2753 victims and 343 firefighters, 23 NYPD, 37 Port Authority officers); The death toll between the Pentagon and Shanksville, Pennsylvania was 189 (55 military, 70 civilians, and 64 passengers on the plane) and 40 respectfully. I personally lost 35 friends that day between NYC and the Pentagon. While I was supposed to be in a meeting at the Pentagon that morning, instead I was in San Diego on business and subsequently stranded in SOCAL for a week due to no planes allowed in the air. There were also no cars available to rent and no space on any trains traveling back east. I was lucky though, because I was safe and secure at a friend’s home where I was comforted and fed by my friends to ensure I didn’t feel alone during a national crisis. It wasn’t until I returned to Washington, DC that I learned I had lost so many friends in the horrific events that crippled our nation.
So today instead of
just enjoying a day off from work since this is now a national holiday known as
Patriots Day, try considering taking a few minutes out of your day to say a
prayer of thanks that you’re alive and for the souls lost that day. Let us not
forget to pray for the lost lives of those who became ill in the aftermath of
the tragedy and for those still suffering various illnesses associated with
that day. Remember our friends we lost and will never be able to call and chat
with in the future. Family members to whom we will never be able to say I love you and colleagues to never laugh with again. However, on this day we can
remember them all by remembering their smile, their laughter, their embrace, and
what they stood for because they stood for something. Whether it be for
upholding the law, saving a life fighting a fire, defending our country
against our enemies, and fighting the good fight of politics, they left a
lasting impression on us all who knew them. Let us remember them today and
every day of our lives.
Artist and Author Elizabeth
Kilbride is a former political operative, author, scriptwriter, historian, and
journalist. business professional, creative artist, and life coach consultant.
Ms. Kilbride holds a Master's in Criminology and a BS in Business Management
she stepped out of the loop for a while but is now back with a powerful opinion
and voice in the direction of this country and our economy. As a life coach,
she is available to counsel individuals to enjoy their dreams and a better
life. Ms. Kilbride loves to travel, and photograph her surroundings and is also
a gourmet cook who loves to garden and preserve food for the winter months.
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