September 11, 2017 is the 254th day of the year 2017 in the Gregorian calendar. There are 111 days remaining until the end of the year. Do you find it strikingly odd that on the 11th it is the 254th day of the year (2+5+4=11) and there are one hundred and eleven days remaining? Numbers don’t lie. But what do they say and what do we remember about this date?
For most of us, our minds drift back to a crisp, clear September day one year after the turn of the century. In a moment, the world as we knew it, changed.
We were frightened, yet we were united. We were stunned, yet we were courageous. We were confused, yet in that confusion, our first, most driving and compelling instinct was to help each other.
We were shocked and saddened by the ruthless attacks.
Yet instead of lashing out, we reconnected with those things we value most. Instead of being frightened into hiding, we strengthened our sense of purpose and our commitment to the things that truly matter.
The day called out for heroes, and genuine heroes selflessly came forward in heartening abundance. We lost too many of those we loved, and we found a new, more profound appreciation for those who are still with us, for each other.
We were suddenly and violently stripped of our pretenses, and many of our assumptions were ripped away. We found that underneath it all, there was still more to treasure and more to live for than we ever could have imagined. We experienced the worst, and it brought out our best.
September 11, 2001 will always be a day to remember. And each time we remember, let us resolve again to honor those who sacrificed so much, to honor them not merely with our tears, not merely with our memorials or sadness, but with the way we live.
Today. STOP. REMEMBER.
If a first responder or someone serving in the US Military is in one of our restaurants, offer to buy (that doesn’t mean comp, that means YOU actually pay for) their meal. Look them in the eye. Say “thank you”. These men and women put their lives on the line every day. REMEMBER.
Lead The Way!
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