It has now been nearly a quarter of a century, 24 years, since the events that unfolded on 9-11 shook our country and the world. Most of the online references to what happened on September 11, 2001, and what are children are being taught, have now been summarized into one paragraph paraphrased here.

“A total of four passenger jet liners were crashed into The World Trade Center in New York (2), The Pentagon (1) and into the ground in Pennsylvania (1) on September 11th, 2001. The death toll from the events on that day was 2,977 from all 4 plane crashes and tower collapses in the heart of New York City. A long war on terrorism followed.”

There is no true human cost mentioned for the survivors and relatives, no true mention of the lives lost in 20 years of ground, air and sea combat in Iraq and Afghanistan, no lessons preserved or discussed or true analysis so that our children will not have to experience what we did. It feels like the events of today, the division that has ripped our country in half and more pressing issues in our lives have caused many to forget, and worse yet, to stop teaching the next generation.

This year, I have had even more requests to schedule routine meetings and activities on 9-11 than in previous years. With each passing year, despite our promises to the contrary, it feels as if we have moved on from that day. I wonder if we are forgetting the lessons and the true cost of that day at our peril and if we are failing the next generation in doing so? History forgotten is history often repeated….by our children.

In terms of true costs, it is now estimated that 9-11 cost the United States some $8 trillion dollars. This includes multiple overseas wars, State Department, Homeland Defense and Security and the rebuilding of structures in New York and the Pentagon

In terms of human costs, the butcher’s bill was far more than 2,977. Domestically, in the years that followed many of the first responders on that day suffered from disease and health issues brought on by the toxic debris. As of this year 3,439 first responders have died from health issues resulting from their heroic efforts that day. More are being diagnosed every day.

In terms of our brave service members, 7,053 have died in military operations. Sadly, an additional 30,177 active-duty service members and veterans have died by suicide since the attacks. In terms of global human cost, that death toll now stands at 897,00 which includes U.S. military, allies, opposition fighters, civilians, journalists and humanitarian workers.

The attacks still stand as the worst terrorist attack on our Nation. The U.S. Congress has passed several bills to support the victims of the 9-11 attack, so that the programs set up to assist our first responders are funded for life. In 2019, the Victim Compensation Fund was extended for decades to assist people who were injured during the 2001 terrorist attacks from rescuing people and removing debris under hazardous conditions. Congress even declared September 11 as a day of observance known as Patriot Day.

This year please take a few moments to remember, to honor and to respect the memory of our brave first responders who rushed in and the noble service members who would spend the next 20 years fighting for our freedom. We all lead busy lives and are consumed with the present and the challenges that each day brings. Remember how united we were on the day after the attacks 24 years ago and how divided we are today. Maybe standing next to a neighbor in solemn remembrance will start the healing.

Dan Williams is the District 1 Teller County Commissioner and is a retired US Army Colonel and Apache pilot and multiple combat veteran.