9/11 reminds us of the heroism among us

The following is a version of an internal email sent to all 12,000 Empower associates on 9/11/2024.

Twenty-three years ago this morning the world changed forever.

No one who lived through 9/11 will ever forget that day, where they were or what they were doing when they first heard about a plane colliding with the World Trade Center in New York City.

The rest is history. Horrific images. Tales of great pain. Loss. Tragedy. Then questions. The nation went to war.

From 9/11 there soon emerged stories of great heroism. First responders and public service were the center of our focus. Inspiring stories of great hope became a theme. (A moving "60 Minutes" special on the sacrifices of the New York City Fire Department on 9/11 is worth watching.)

Since then, we’ve lived in a world that’s changed significantly because of that day. In ways great and small 9/11 has faded into the background of our lives. As time has moved on since 2001, we’ve become so accustomed to those changes that we could be lulled into forgetting about that day.

What will never change is the innate human capacity that draws us toward heroism. It’s not always in the dramatic decisions made in a moment that count. It’s the long arc of one’s values honed over a lifetime that brings forth heroism.   It’s the schoolteacher who chooses a life of service to educating young people. It’s the nurse who for 40 years cares for the sick and weak. It’s the dad or mom who puts dreams on hold in support of their families. It’s a business owner working long days to make payroll for their team.

We all have heroes who populate our lives. You don’t always know where they are in their life and you may never know how they are sacrificing for others, even in secret.

Be that hero today — and every day. Your family and friends need it. Your colleagues need it. Your community needs it.  We need more heroism.

God bless the memory of all the 9/11 heroes.