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September 11th Anniversary
It has been twenty years since that infamous, fateful day in September when the world collectively paused in absolute disbelief. In many ways, it seems a lifetime ago as so much has transpired in our world since then. In other ways, it seems like yesterday, the events of the day permanently etched into our memories.
So much of who we are is shaped by our experiences. On Sept. 11, 2001, I was a newly married resident of Arlington, Virginia, living about one mile southwest of the Pentagon. In addition to being home to the Defense Department, it was also home to my neighborhood’s nearest Metro transit stop, which I often frequented on the short commute to my office in Alexandria City Hall.
The unpredictable and chaotic events that Tuesday had my wife and I out of touch for most of the day, anxiously awaiting our reunion later that evening. The eventual return to our apartment was accompanied by pungent, smokefilled air and the constant blaring of emergency sirens. Eventually, unable to sleep and no appetite to eat, we concluded our day with thousands of others on the front steps of the U.S. Capitol for a very somber candlelight vigil.
Despite the profound fear, pain, and anguish that overshadowed most of the day, I was also awestruck by the courage and resilience of first responders and local government officials, whose mission-critical focus and determination to meet the moment defeated the unprecedented nature of the day’s events.
The critical importance of the work of local government was made apparent. And, although I didn’t know back then exactly where it would lead, the positive actions of so many local government employees inspired my own career in local government.
We were all impacted in some fashion by the tragic events twenty years ago. For me, the sights, sounds and smells, are all still very vivid in my mind. Even today, the simple act of looking at the date on the calendar can still bring a tear to my eye. And, although there will always be sadness associated with 9/11, there was also tremendous inspiration. We all witnessed inspiring acts of courage, sacrifice, determination, and service from those that are willing to give all in the service of others.
I have an enduring admiration and profound respect for the firefighters, police officers, and other first responders that serve our communities. This year, on the 20th Anniversary of the unfortunate events of 9/11, I invite you to join the brave members of the Golden Fire Department and the Golden Police Department to pause and remember those lost on 9/11/2001, especially those public servants that gave the ultimate sacrifice that day in the service of others.
Jason T. Slowinski, City Manager
WHAT: September 11th 20th Anniversary Remembrance in Golden
WHEN: Saturday, Sept. 11 TIME: 9:30 – 9:45 a.m.
WHERE: Corner of 10th Street & Washington Avenue (gather in Parfet Park)
