19 years ago today, the heart of America was pierced with the devastating and tragic events of September 11, 2001.

We acknowledge and remember this day, even as most of our staff is too young to have any vivid memories of it. The horrific acts of terrorism took over 3,000 lives this day, and we stand in solidarity to remember the innocent lives that were taken by these vile acts.

Most of us on the staff were too young to remember the events of this day; however, we know so many of those who were personally affected by the attacks in New York and Washington D.C. We also remember the heroes of Flight 93, the aircraft that crashed in Shanksville, Pennsylvania only an hour and a half away from our newsroom, that gave their lives to thwart the terrorists’ attack.

This day was a day that changed America. It put a hole in our hearts, and allowed us to come together as one nation. Putting political views aside, disagreements with foreign policy and insignificant grudges to rest, we came together. It was a unifying moment in the midst of disaster.

While today, as Americans stand divided, it is important to remember this day: the day that we came together to mourn the lives lost in the World Trade Center, the Pentagon and on Flight 93.

It was on this day that we defined patriotism. Patriotism, which we saw on this day, is a passion and alliance to our homeland and our communities.

We stood united. Whether we were in a small town in the Midwest or at ground zero in New York, this affected all of us.