In the years after a devastating terror attack killed 2,977 Americans on Sept. 11, 2001, in New York, Virginia and Pennsylvania, annual remembrances and memorials sprang up that kept the tragedy and trauma front of mind for at least a day or so.

For anyone who was around to witness the attacks or the coverage of them, it was hard to imagine at the time that more than 20 years later, we would still need reminders of the deadliest attack on American soil. But here we are. 

Much has happened since then, as tragedies and devastating events have piled on and we’ve become accustomed to life after 9/11. Perhaps the most recent reminder of those days was a July 8 change by the TSA, which no longer requires the minor inconvenience of passenger shoe removal at airport checkpoints. That rule was introduced after another planned terrorist attack, this one by a man who would become known as the “Shoe Bomber,” who attempted to ignite explosives hidden in his shoes on American Airlines Flight 63. He was overpowered by passengers and flight crew, taped to his seat and arrested later. The small policy change reminds us how profoundly that day altered American life. 

Locally, there are organizations that have taken on the tasks of remembering those who lost their lives on this tragic day. Earlier this week, the 9/11 Heroes Run at the Eanes-Pittman Public Safety Training Center in Chesterfield drew participants who ran, walked or rucked a 5K to honor the heroes of 9/11 and those who have served bravely since. (If you’ve never “rucked” ask a friend in the military about this exercise.) 

Also on Sept. 6, the Metro Richmond 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb & Walk returned to Richmond Raceway, offering a chance to climb the equivalent of the 110 stories of the World Trade Center towers or walk the same distance around the track. 

“This day is about remembrance, resilience and community,” said Steve Korb, public information officer for the Metro Richmond Flying Squad, which organized the event. “Every step taken is a tribute to those who made the ultimate sacrifice.” 

If you missed those events, there are still ways to come together and remember. On Thursday, Sept. 11, the Commonwealth’s Patriot Day Ceremony at the Virginia War Memorial offers a moment to pause and reflect. The ceremony will run from 11 a.m. to noon and honor the courage and sacrifice of first responders and service members. 

Also Thursday, the University of Richmond will hold its annual September 11 Memorial Walk from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. The community is invited to walk around the memorial benches honoring four UR alumni who died on 9/11. Remarks and a prayer will be offered at 8:30 a.m., with moments of silence at 8:46, 9:03, 9:37 and 10:03 a.m. — times that correspond to the crashes of the four hijacked planes — providing time for quiet reflection on the lives lost that day. 

As time passes, these moments remind us that remembrance is not only about looking back but also about bringing the courage, resilience and unity of that day forward. We certainly could use that kind of sentiment today, as our country faces deep divisions, instability and moments that challenge our sense of community. In a world where there are forces determined to divide us, remembering teaches us to stand together.