Today marks the 14th anniversary since the 9/11 terrorist attacks changed America and the world forever.

The country lost a sense of innocence in just a few short hours that September morning. The deadliest attack on American soil ever changed our way of life that many forget the way things “used to be.”

As time marches on, the twin towers have not dominated the New York skyline since 2001. Instead, the One World Trade Center, once called the Freedom Tower, now reigns as the tallest skyscraper in the Western Hemisphere. Likewise, the Pentagon has long been repaired.

Students entering the eight grade this year would have been born the same year as the attack. This means students old enough to remember 9/11 well are now in college.

As the years roll on, it’s important to continue to tell the stories of the bravery shown and sacrifices made that day.

During the September 11 attacked, 2,977 victims where killed in New York, at the Pentagon and when Flight 93 crashed in rural Pennsylvania.

While many of those were civilians, 71 law enforcement officers and 343 firefighters died in New York, one law enforcement officer died on Flight 93 and 55 military personnel died at the Pentagon.

So many of the first responders in New York died rushing into the burning towers trying to help people escape from the inferno that would collapse around them.

Likewise, Flight 93 passengers decided to fight hijackers for control of the aircraft. Their bravery prevented another attack at likely the White House or U.S. Capitol.

There’s so many stories of heroism from that horrible day. That’s what should be remembered for generations to come as we commemorate one of the darkest days in our country’s history.

Today is a difficult day for survivors and first responders.

Many suffer from post-traumatic stress that can be triggered by an anniversary.

There are many families hurting for loved ones that left for work or a flight that Tuesday and never returned home.

Today, on the 14th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks, we commit again to never forget.