Twenty-four years ago, on September 11th, 2001, tragedy struck. At the time, I was in Scotland, working for an American company called Morgan Stanley. It was about 2 p.m. when the news broke. I had just come out of a meeting when I walked into the conference room. The television was on, SKY News was broadcasting live, and we had just learned that a second plane had hit. For a moment, it felt as if the whole world was ending.
Emails began pouring through the Morgan Stanley system to the worldwide distribution list. First, the messages went out to everyone, then eventually only to employees in the U.S. The entire world felt the ripple effects of that day.
Shortly after, I visited the United States. What struck me most was the incredible spirit of the American people. Patriotism was everywhere. Old divisions seemed smaller, and a sense of unity was rising. Though President George W. Bush had only recently taken office, and leadership was under immense pressure, the people of America showed something greater than politics: they showed resilience.
I saw New Yorkers, and people from across the country, converge on the city to help. Some joined the rescue efforts, others worked tirelessly to recover bodies. The bravery of the first responders—many of whom laid down their lives—remains etched into history. Truly, as Scripture says, “Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends” (John 15:13).
First-hand witnesses have told me how, in those days, the United States stood together like never before. British Prime Minister Tony Blair captured it when he declared: “We are all Americans now.”
Today, I continue to pray for all who were affected by 9/11—families, survivors, first responders, and a nation that still carries the scars. That day was one of America’s darkest, yet out of the ashes, the character of this people shone through: courageous, resolved, and unwilling to be broken.
Now, this country is my home. My daughter was born here. And I believe with all my heart that God is not finished with America. May He continue to bless, guide, and strengthen this nation, and may we never forget to lean on Him in times of both tragedy and triumph.
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