In this time of great division, we are stronger when we remember what binds us. We draw inspiration from the way our Nationall of us, as citizens and neighborscame together after the tragedy on 9/11.
At 9:51 am on September 11, 2001, I was working in Washington when the fire alarm sounded and Capitol police instructed us to evacuate. Once roads and sidewalks emptied, the usually frantic pace of Washington was replaced with a somber, quiet city. Only the occasional siren, the roar of jet fighters, and whirling helicopter blades punctured the silence.
The U.S. Capitol, federal buildings, and landmarks were all cordoned off. Some were blocked with flares, others with more substantial barriers or squad cars positioned to let no vehicle pass. Every law enforcement officer who had ever served seemed to have been recalled for duty with an automatic weapon. At the Tidal Basin, I was struck by the sight of gray smoke from the Pentagon wafting up from behind the white marble Jefferson Memorial.
