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7th Anniversary of 9/11 a Time To Reflect A Message From the OVC Director, John W. Gillis September 8, 2008 September 11, 2001, will forever live in Americans’ consciousness as a defining moment in time. This was the day of an unprecedented terrorist attack—one in which, some say, we lost our innocence. A stunned America mourned for bereaved family members, friends, and for the nation. The terrorist attack not only destroyed lives, it shattered our sense of normalcy—even invincibility. On that day, we all became victims, experiencing the shock, despair, and sense of profound vulnerability that crime victims feel in the aftermath of their personal tragedies. Out of our common suffering, however, came a renewed sense of purpose and resolution. We would fight back—through our courage, resilience, and attention to the families of those most devastated by this horrific event. Today, seven years later, we stand with spirits renewed as we look back on that terrible page in American history. We will never forget those who lost their lives and those whose physical and emotional injuries permanently altered their lives. But we have learned what other crime victims learn: hope can be restored, lives can be rebuilt. When we look back on that fateful day, we must remember not only what we lost but what we gained: From every corner of America, compassionate citizens rallied to help the victims, support them in ways great and small, and soothe their pain. In doing so, we soothed our own aching hearts and injured spirits. As we recall the events of September 11, 2001, I ask that you continue to honor the memory of those who were lost and their surviving families and friends. Let one legacy of 9/11 be a reflection of how we treat the crime victims of today and tomorrow--with dignity, compassion, and respect for their brave struggle to regain a sense of normalcy in their lives. We were all changed on September 11. For those of you who lost a loved one or who were injured, your suffering saddens all our hearts. Please know that we in the Office for Victims of Crime continue to share your grief and honor your sacrifice. Your courage in the face of unimagined tragedy inspires us all. |
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