September 11: Publicly Observed or Not, Please Remember!

To the people of Wakefield and Stoneham:
From Abington to Yarmouth in this state to countless cities and towns across this nation, 10th Anniversary September 11 Remembrances are to be held on Sunday, September 11 and other surrounding days. Much more than a solemn observance or moment of silence, these communities were so moved to commit to a program, a gathering, a dedication, even a day of service.
Some did not lose a single soul to the consequences of such an evil, despicable act of treachery and tragedy on this great land and it's 300 million plus people. Yet, this single, most significant day of mourning for all of this country's residents was worthy, so unmitigated in its purpose that it effortlessly kept us joined together as one.
Why is this? Because on that fateful day, in New York City, whether there in the towers, on flights 11 and 175 traveling there or heading into a field in Shanksville Pennsylvania or suffering a rude entry into the Pentagon or as one of the first, or last, responders who came to rescue and recover, we all died that day. Died? Yes, died. None will ever be the same, forever changed by a fatal blow to our innocence and life blood. This simple and compound act in successive one-two-three-four punches brought us to our knees. 
Ten years later, we still reel in disbelief that we have not woken up yet from this worst of nightmares. We still struggle with how to handle the complex emotions that rise up in this unfillable void we all feel, so we remember in any way we can in an attempt to make some sense of it all. We try to honor those that we can find no way to adequately show that we will always remember and never forget.
Every single city and town throughout this country should set aside at least "one hour and one minute" to remember the day America was changed for eternity. This is not a day and time to admit defeat but to unite in victory. Our collective rallying cry of unity must reach across and above the tendency to lose the sharpness of or bury the significance of the indescribable pain many feel every day and should at least recognize once a year. With or without it, we will always be susceptible to it happening again. If, however, we do not remain vigilant, we have no one to blame this time but ourselves.
To the families and friends of David DiMeglio, 22, and Anna Williams Allison, 49, of Wakefield and Stoneham respectively, whose loss can never be measured by a stone with a sorrow-filled inscription, nothing will ever be enough to memorialize their lives. An observance on the anniversary date will not bring justice or ease grief to the endless days they suffer in silence. What it does do is reassure them we have not forgotten and we stand with them and each other forever.
I do not even know them, but my thoughts will always be with them, I will never go by their loved ones' memorials without stopping to pay respect and I will never forget them or any one of the other heroes we lost. Please join me by participating in whatever way you can to memorialize this day, but please do remember and never forget.