Tomorrow or today depending on where you are reading this from is the 20th anniversary of one of the worst attacks to ever take place on American soil. The result of this attack forever changed the work from policy to societal impacts many of which we continue to deal with and probably will for the rest of our lives. So much blood has been spilled due to what occurred that day and the memory of those who lost their lives in the attacks will never be forgotten.

September 11, 2001, changed the world plain and simple. Many things can be debated about the events that led up and followed the attack but one thing cannot be refuted and that nearly 3,000 innocent civilians perished. When you add in the first responders and others in the area who have come down with cancer due to exposure to the dust from Ground Zero the impact has been immense. It is crazy to think back on remembering my family's reaction that day and seeing the pain in their faces. 

In the days, weeks, and months after the attack America was a united force with love and caring deeds seen across the country. Much like when natural disasters happen the inherent goodness in people came pouring out and continued to. Whatever was dividing the public and families was put to the side to reconnect. Even Americans' faith in political leaders went through the roof with President Bush in the months after having an approval rating over 90% and Congress not being far behind him. 

Now that the 20th anniversary is about to happen it bring back a flood of emotions. Having spent considerable time in New York City for my surgeries I have been able to hear stories that will always be with me. America was a united place then and now working on Capitol Hill I see how divided and partisan we are even about the smallest things. Tomorrow morning I will do the same thing I have done since I moved out of my parent's house and went to college. I will wake up to watch the remembrance ceremony. I will listen to the names read aloud and remember those who we promised to "Never Forget". Due to the actions of those responsible and the people who protected them America's longest war only just now finally ended. 

I would imagine that if those who perished could send us a message it would be to love thy neighbor and to be there for your fellow man. Not everything is worth fighting like crazy for and compromise is okay. We own them that much.