The world stopped for a few days on Sept. 11, 2001.

On that day, Islamic terrorists hijacked four commercial airliners, flying two into the World Trade Center, leading to the collapse of the Twin Towers, and one into the Pentagon. A fourth plane was likely en route to the U.S. Capitol when passengers fought back, forcing the plane down in rural Somerset County.

It was one of those defining life moments when people remember where they were when the news first hit.

In my lifetime there were several: President John F. Kennedy being shot, man walking on the moon, the Columbia space shuttle blowing up.

But this. It was a revelation that we were not safe from terrorist attacks on home soil.

“These violent and senseless attacks rocked our nation to its core. After the attacks, we were more unified than ever before,” said Lehighton 9/11 speaker Lt. Col. (ret.) Dennis DeMara.

People flocked to churches that night, donated blood, bought flags, made and sold flag pins, held benefits.

At the time, I worked at the Pocono Record. With the large commuter base, we knew instinctively that we had people from our readership area there. We knew some were stuck in the city, and we knew we had some who would never make it home.

We didn’t realize at the time what the long-term health effects were for those who responded, rescuing people sorting through the rubble. Twenty-three years later, we do.

For those who weren’t even born at the time, it’s a history lesson about 2,996 people who lost their lives in New York, Washington D.C. and Shanksville.

This June, Gov. Josh Shapiro signed a bill that instructs schools to hold a moment of silence to remember the attacks.

The state Department of Education is developing a model curriculum to teach children the significance of that day.

The bill was sponsored by Rep. Jim Haddock, D-Luzerne County, although several lawmakers tried before then.

“9/11 was the darkest day in our nation since Pearl Harbor,” said Sen. Doug Mastriano, R-Franklin County, who introduced legislation similar to Haddock’s bill that passed the Senate last year. “Yet, it’s shocking to me that this defining moment in our history has gone generally unnoticed each year in public schools and receives no mention in the state academic standards for history, civics and government.”

Veteran Jack Kulp spoke at this year’s Tamaqua 9/11 service. “Domestic issues ... have our attention, and for good reason. But I fear Sept. 11th is fading in our memories.”

At the time of the attacks, Robert Brands lived in a small town approximately 75 miles from the World Trade Center. “On this horrible day, I can remember watching the day unfold like many millions of other Americans, not knowing what was going to happen next or when the chaos would stop,” Brands said.

He was a football coach and several of his players would find out their parents weren’t coming home.

He grieved with his town, and witnessed the strength of unity.

“We were the United States of America,” he said. “ ... We were a country that came together. As I stand here today, I ask myself, how can we best honor those who lost their lives 23 years ago during this terrible attack?”

Is Jack Kulp right? Are our memories of that fateful day fading?

We need to make a conscious effort to make sure they don’t.

This year, the Carbon County Council of Governments awarded $500 to member fire departments.

As we can, we need to support our local firefighters to help them serve and in recognition of those who lost their lives in New York City.

Yes, our children will recognize 9/11 in schools, but how will you commemorate the attacks?

Circle Sept. 11 on your calendar or mark it on your phone.

Sept. 11 is not just the day that follows Sept. 10. It’s a special day. Attend a ceremony, thank a first responder. Resolve to remember.

MARTA GOUGER | MGOUGER@TNONLINE.COM