by Fauzia J. Choudhury
Amid the smoke, the falling debris, and the overwhelming panic of September 11, 2001, there were heroes. They were the firefighters climbing the burning stairwells of the Twin Towers, the police officers guiding people to safety, the medical workers rushing to treat the wounded, and the passengers of United Flight 93 who chose bravery over surrender.
Nearly 3,000 lives were lost that day, but many more were saved because of the selflessness of these heroes. Their sacrifice reminds us that even in the darkest of times, the light of humanity shines brightest.
Today, as we reflect on the horror of 9/11, we also celebrate the courage and resilience of those who stood up to terror. They remind us that heroism is not found in power or weapons, but in compassion, duty, and love for others.
Let us honor them not only with remembrance, but with action—by building communities of peace, by standing against extremism, and by keeping alive the values they defended with their lives.
