09/11/2026
Today we reflect upon and observe the passing of 25 years… when on an almost impossibly beautiful day in New York, at the Pentagon, and in a field in Shanksville, Pennsylvania, the unimaginable occurred.
Many of us remember every minute of that awful day when the planes struck. We remember exactly where we were, as disbelief changed to overriding and all consuming grief. We watched on television or heard about it in real time from friends or family. We were all simply Americans that day, no matter our politics, united in our love for our country.
The events on September, 11, 2001 are experienced from a different lens for those born after it. This generation and all the ones who will follow are one step removed from actual memory, learning about 9/11 from family, teachers, books, and relics.
For all those who remember and for all those born after, Mountain Brook has the greatest honor to be the final home for a 7’ steel beam from the North Tower of the World Trade Center. Located across the street from Oak Street Garden Shop, it stands outside Fire Station 1 in Crestline Village, part of a permanent 9/11 Memorial to those lost and to all the heroic first responders on that day. It was officially dedicated on September 11th, 2013.
We each remember in our own way, and must never forget those who perished. Perhaps a future lesson of 9/11 will be the reminder that we are all Americans, and that unity is far stronger than division.
We Will Never Forget.
“If we learn nothing else from this tragedy, we learn that life is short and there is no time for hate.” — Sandy Dahl, wife of Flight 93 pilot Jason Dahl.
