Honoring the resilience of the American spirit

It’s been 17 years since terror struck New York on September 11, 2001 – a day that changed America forever. I will never forget how our country stood united through all the tragedy and loss, and the way everyone came together was truly an inspiration.

Here are 11 quotes to reflect on the resilience, strength and compassion showed by our great nation:

Even the smallest act of service, the simplest act of kindness, is a way to honor those we lost, a way to reclaim that spirit of unity that followed 9/11.

– Barack Obama

 

For me and my family personally, September 11 was a reminder that life is fleeting, impermanent, and uncertain. Therefore, we must make use of every moment and nurture it with affection, tenderness, beauty, creativity and laughter.

– Deepak Chopra

 

September 11 is one of our worst days but it brought out the best in us. It unified us as a country and showed our charitable instincts and reminded us of what we stood for and stand for.

– Senator Lamar Alexander

 

If we learn nothing else from this tragedy, we learn that life is short and there is no time for hate.

– Sandy Dahl, wife of Flight 93 pilot Jason Dahl, in Shanksville, Pennsylvania

 

On that terrible day, a nation became a neighborhood, all Americans became New Yorkers.

– George Pataki, former Governor of New York

 

The attacks of September 11th were intended to break our spirit. Instead we have emerged stronger and more unified. We feel renewed devotion to the principles of political, economic and religious freedom, the rule of law and respect for human life. We are more determined than ever to live our lives in freedom. 

– Rudy Giuliani, former Mayor of New York City

 

America was not built on fear. America was built on courage, on imagination and an unbeatable determination to do the job at hand.

– former President Harry S. Truman

 

Terrorist attacks can shake the foundation of our tallest buildings, but they cannot touch the foundation of America. We will not tire, we will not falter, we will not fail.

– former President George W. Bush

 

What happened on September 11 compels us to focus on who we are as Americans, what we stand for, what really matters in our lives—family, friends, faith and freedom.

– Bob Taft

 

September 11, 2001, revealed heroism in ordinary people who might have gone through their lives never called upon to demonstrate the extent of their courage.

– Geraldine Brooks

 

True patriotism hates injustice in its own land more than anywhere else.

–Clarence Darrow

 

Rose Caiola
Inspired. Rewired.