By Joseph Cryan
As we pause on the sad anniversary marking the horrific events on September 11, 2001, we remember the innocent victims and the heroes who perished that day.
We remember these fallen Americans and honor them in different ways. Some will pay a respectful, somber visit to lower Manhattan. Other people will attend a service in their home towns at a local memorial dedicated to those who died in the terror attacks. And for some it will be a quiet day of prayer and reflection.
September 11th is a National Day of Service and Remembrance. On the anniversary of the attacks, Americans should unite in service in the same remarkable way that so many came together following the attacks.
This is time and opportunity to volunteer in our communities and support and honor veterans, soldiers, military families and first responders.
Donating blood is a perfect example of service, giving back and pitching in just as thousands of Americans did in the days and weeks after the terror attacks.
Also, don’t forget our first responders. Many made the ultimate sacrifice that day and today all our firefighters, police officers and emergency service workers continue to strive to keep us safe. This includes the members of our armed forces. They deserve our thanks and support.
This September 11th reach out and be active in your community in honor of those Americans we lost that day and remember their families and the people who work to protect us every day.
We must never forget.
Joseph Cryan is the Acting Union County Sheriff.