9/11 Memorial
After the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001, communities everywhere pledged to “never forget” the victims. We applaud the fact that Leesburg, Virginia is among the cities that have held an annual remembrance every year since. This year’s observance was especially memorable, with moving speeches by several local officials.
We were especially moved by Loudoun County Fire-Rescue Assistant Chief Matthew Tobia’s keynote remarks. His wife Jeanne works with families of 9/11 victims at the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation, and she supplied him with a beautiful request for unity in our communities: “Say a prayer for all those who made the ultimate sacrifice and for their families who still mourn bright lives cut too short, and send up a wish that those of us remaining put aside the differences and hate that seem to be dividing our county so much these days and come together with peace in our hearts just like we did 14 years ago.”
Tobia added, “I think 9/11 pointed to the fact that you should never, ever miss a chance to tell someone who is important to you how much they mean to you. Never, ever miss that chance.”
Words well said, and worth sharing throughout the Commonwealth.