Today marks 24 years since a day when ordinary lives were devastated and the course of history forever changed. The images and emotions remain vivid nearly a quarter of a century later. Anyone who can recall that day remembers exactly where they were when they first heard the news.
Why pause to remember? Because we choose to honor those who never made it home. We choose to honor the first responders who courageously ran toward danger. We choose to honor the families who have carried their grief with strength and determination, ensuring their loved ones’ legacies live on. And we pause because we need to be reminded of what we learned from that day.
Although 9/11 shattered our nation, 9/12 revealed how a badly shaken people came together in unity, sadness, and patriotism. According to the Pew Research Center, Americans largely set aside political differences and rallied around the nation’s institutions and leadership. In October 2001, 60% of adults expressed trust in the federal government — a level not seen in the previous three decades, nor approached in the two decades since.
Faith also played a central role. In the days and weeks after 9/11, many Americans reported praying more frequently. By November 2001, 78% said the influence of their faith was increasing (Pew Research Center). That spirit of unity, however, proved fleeting. Over time, trust in government and confidence in many institutions have declined sharply. By April 2021, only 24% of Americans said they trusted the federal government most of the time (Pew Research Center).
For a season, though, our nation set aside its differences and displayed compassion, resilience, and shared humanity — the kind that only rises from the darkest of hours. May we carry forward the lessons of that time: remembering, honoring, and finding ways to strengthen our communities, extend kindness, and stand firm against adversity. Evil events such as 9/11 and Charlie Kirk’s murder yesterday are deeply disturbing and discouraging, and we must find ways to find unity and look to our Creator for hope, justice, and peace. Unless we turn to that faith, we can never move forward with resilience and find the strength to fight for justice.
9/11 is more than history. It is a call to live in unity with our fellow Americans.
At OmniStar Financial Group, we are deeply grateful for you, our clients, who serve as living reminders that the spirit of 9/11 endures — in courage, unity, and determination.
