09/11/2024
For many of us, it’s hard to believe that two decades have passed since the 2001 terrorist attacks. The blueness of the sky that morning, the initial disbelief of the news when we learned of the unfolding events, and the shock of seeing the towers collapse and the smoke billowing up from the Pentagon—be it in person or on the news—seem as clear today as it was that mid-September morning. For others, particularly the younger generation, 9/11 is a historical event without a clear memory attached, yet one that has shaped the context of their lives. September 11th marks, in so many ways, a day filled with tragedy, but also a day filled with stories of hope, perseverance and resilience.
The maritime evacuation of Manhattan on 9/11 is one of those stories. It was by most accounts the largest waterborne evacuation in history. Credible estimates of the number of people evacuated by boat as many as 500,000 in the course of 10 hours, according to the Coast Guard. More than that, the collective volunteer effort of boat operators and waterfront workers was unplanned, improvised and enormously successful.
Take a moment and ponder and pray for that day and for those that sacrificed all and those that continued forward.
#9/11
