09/11/2026
September 11, 2001. We remember. 🇺🇸
Today, we pause to honor the lives that were lost, the heroes who ran toward danger, the first responders who gave so selflessly, and the countless families whose lives were forever changed.
I was a senior in high school on 9/11/2001. I had just gotten out of the shower and headed into my parents bedroom to say good morning, just like any other morning. As I walked in, both of them staring wide eyed and open mouthed at the TV.
My mom would sit on her bed to do her makeup every morning, while my dad would sit in the chair drinking his coffee next to her. They would always watch the news together in the morning before work. I would always come in after my shower before I headed upstairs to get ready for school.
When I entered their room on that morning something was very different. One of the planes had just crashed into the first tower. They were covering it on the news when I walked in. I too stared in disbelief. Then as all three of us were watching, the second plane hit the second tower. We all cried out in shock and disbelief.
What followed for me was fear and confusion. How? Why? Who would do this? I went to school that morning and none of our teachers were allowed to talk about it. Our government teacher wasn’t even allowed to play the news for us. It was a very different time in 2001.
Twenty-five years later, we remember not only the heartbreak of that day, but also the extraordinary courage, compassion, and unity that followed. In the face of unimaginable tragedy, people came together—helping strangers, supporting neighbors, and reminding us of the strength we have when we stand together.
For many of our dancers, 9/11 is a day they know only through history. May we continue to share its stories, honor its heroes, and teach the next generation the importance of kindness, courage, unity, and remembrance.
We will remember. We will honor. 🇺🇸
#911
