Twenty-five years after 9/11, we remember and honor

There are few who were alive on Sept. 11, 2001, who don't remember where they were or how they felt watching the horror unfold.

The North Tower on fire. The plane banking toward the South Tower.

Firefighters, police officers and first responders rushing toward the World Trade Center.

People racing across the Brooklyn Bridge, horror and shock stamped across their features.

Crews carrying the body of Father Mychal Judge toward medical care after he was struck by debris while administering sacraments to FDNY firefighters.

The gaping hole in the Pentagon, smoke and flames billowing from where Flight 77 crashed into the building.

The collapse of the South Tower. News of Flight 93 crashing into a field after passengers and crew members stormed the cockpit to prevent it from being used to crash into either the U.S. Capitol or the White House.

The collapse of the E Ring of the Pentagon. The collapse of the North Tower. Firefighters and first responders picking their way through the rubble in a desperate search for survivors.

Smoke billowing behind the twisted framework of what had been the World Trade Center.

Survivors, coated in ash, making their way through what had been a vibrant Lower Manhattan.

Much like earlier generations during the attack on Pearl Harbor, the memories of the attack are clear. It's easy to go back to those whispered conversations, of where you were and what you were doing; remember the scenes and the feelings; hear both the sounds and the quiet.

Amid the memories of the attack's horrors, come memories of resilience.

A trio of FDNY firefighters hoisting an American flag over the rubble at Ground Zero in defiance of the terrorist attacks, offering hope to a shocked and heartbroken nation.

A flag draped over the roof of the Pentagon.

Twin beams of blue light later rising from where the two towers had once stood.

The courage of the Flight 93 passengers and crew.

Long lines at blood banks.

Meals dropped off at fire stations.

Offers of help.

Kindness.

The country banding together as one, no divisions, no others, all Americans, all together. In the days and weeks that followed, differences seemed smaller. Neighbors checked on neighbors. Communities rallied around first responders and victims' families. For a time, the nation stood united in grief, resolve and determination. Such unity is rare these days. Perhaps we can find it again, but without tragedy being the common denominator. 

Together, we know we can do anything. How America responded to what happened 25 years ago proved it. Ordinary people became heroes. They likely had more courage than they knew. When called to act, they did. It cost some of them their lives. May we all be willing to do the same.

As we commemorate the 25th anniversary of 9/11, the feelings and memories remain, anchoring the past to the present and to the future.