Eighteen years seems an impossible amount of time to have passed. Eighteen years since Al Qaeda Jihadists murdered thousands by flying aircraft full of people into buildings full of people in New York City and Washington D.C. Eighteen years since people trapped on the upper floors of the burning World Trade Center towers leapt to their certain deaths rather than accept the fate their vile killers chose for them. Eighteen years since everyday heroes rose from our ranks aboard Flight 93 and in those burning buildings — risking and sacrificing all, so that others might live. The enduring sting of the memory is such that it hardy seems it could have been that long ago. And yet, here we are.

My thoughts are much the same as on last year’s anniversary. For better or worse, I don’t think I’ve learned anything new or surprising in the past year about the nature of what we’re up against or the state our own culture is in. This is a long war, a relentless grind, and it may be dedicated endurance as much as anything that sees us through. I reflect with resolve and humble gratitude on the fact that I am still here and able to fight for the future of a world that I love.

I will not forget.

My Previous Years’ 9/11 Posts

2018: 9/11, Seventeen Years On

2017: 9/11, Sixteen Years On

2016: 9/11, Fifteen Years On

2015: 9/11, Fourteen Years On ~ Fourteen Years Later: 9/11 Links

2014: 9/11, Thirteen Years On

2013: 9/11, Twelve Years On

2012: 9/11, Eleven Years On

2011: A Plea, Ten Years After: Please, Open Your Eyes ~ Ten Years Later: 9/11 Links

2010: 9/11: Two Songs

2009: Tomorrow is 9/11 ~ My Experience of September 11, 2001 ~ 9/11 Quotes

2008: 9/11, Seven Years On ~ 9/11, Seven Years On, Part 2 ~ 102 Minutes that Changed America

2007: 9/11, Six Years On

2006: Soon, Time Again to Reflect ~ 9/11 Observances ~ 9/11 Observances, Part 2

2005: I Remember

2004: Remembering and Rebuilding (republished here September 12th, 2014)