Today is Patriot Day, a National Day of Service and Remembrance when we recall the worst terrorist attack on U.S. soil.
Truth be told, though, none of us who were alive that day will ever forget.
It's been 16 years since that morning when four U.S. jetliners were hijacked by terrorists we soon learned were part of Osama bin Laden's al-Qaeda network.
Two of the flights crashed into the Twin Towers of New York's World Trade Center, bringing down those magnificent buildings-along with another in the complex-and killing more than 2,700 people in the buildings and on the planes. Several other buildings in the area were damaged as well and the Wall Street district would remain a virtual ghost town for weeks.
The third plane crashed into the Pentagon, tearing a large hole in the side of America's military headquarters and claiming 184 in all.
The last airliner, reportedly headed for either the U.S. Capitol or the White House, crashed near Shanksville, Penn., after passengers and crew heroically attempted to wrest control from the hijackers.
Some 2,974 people-including 19 hijackers-died in the attacks that day. Another 24 remain listed as missing from the World Trade Center.
President George W. Bush was a commanding presence in the weeks after the attacks. He provided strong leadership, reassured the country and vowed to hunt down those responsible no matter where they tried to hide.
It took 10 years, but the ringleader who boasted of planning and ordering the attacks-Osama bin Laden-was finally brought to justice.
President Bush signed the bill designating every September 11 as Patriot Day. It was first observed in 2002.
Today, as in years past, there will be a moment of silence at 7:46 a.m. our time-the same time the first plane struck the World Trade Center. We encourage everyone to observe the small tribute.
We remember nearly 3,000 souls taken far too soon. We pray for them as well as for their families and friends.
And for our nation. God bless America.