When I was growing up in the 1990s, I remember people marking the anniversary of “The date which will live in infamy,” Dec. 7, 1941, with a pause, maybe a moment of silence.

The attack by the Imperial Japanese navy on Pearl Harbor was, for me, an important date in World War II history books. However, I wondered at the time why it was that day, and not VE Day or VJ Day (Victory in Europe or Victory over Japan) that seemed to resonate more deeply.

After witnessing the events of Sept. 11, 2001 unfold as I sat on a stool in my ninth grade art class, I understood. Our greatest tragedies are where we lost Americans, maybe even some we knew. But they have also been the sources of our greatest successes, the moments where we stood together as one to defend our nation and the ideals we hold dear.

On Dec. 8, 1941, we joined the largest, bloodiest war in history, and helped push the allies to victory. Some went off to fight in North Africa, Europe or the Pacific, some went to work at factories, accepted rationing and bought war bonds.

And soon after Sept. 11, 2001, we again banded together. We saw the similarities instead of the differences, we sought justice for those who had led the attack and for the government of Afghanistan for harboring Al Qaeda.

Monday marks the 22nd anniversary of the terrorist attacks that killed 2,996 people in the World Trade Center towers in New York City, the Pentagon in Washington, D.C. and in a Pennsylvania field. The passengers on the fourth hijacked plane sacrificed themselves, leading to the plane crashing well before its intended target, presumably the White House or U.S. Capitol. 

Locally, there are a couple of ways people can remember that day, including the fallen, the first responders who risked — and some who gave — their lives to save the victims, and all others impacted by the tragedies.

The Powell American Legion is hosting a remembrance at 6:30 p.m. Monday night at Washington Park. All are invited.

At 8:30 a.m. Monday morning, people will have the opportunity to climb the two rows of steps of “The Scout” statue next to the Buffalo Bill Center of the West in Cody 55 times, matching the 110 stories of the World Trade Center towers.

Whether you go to an event or simply take a moment to remember, I urge you not to forget.