On the 20th anniversary of the largest attack on American soil, we can look back and see what has changed and what has not. It’s only been in the last couple of months that the United States has withdrawn troops from Afghanistan, where we had been since shortly after the 2001 attack. There are Americans who see their lives as permanently, fundamentally changed – they are still afraid to fly or reach the top floors of tall buildings.

Others saw the attack as a wake-up call, a reminder not to sleepwalk through life because no one knows how long they have. They still make sure to express their love and appreciation to friends and family when they see them. They look to create positive changes in their lives – whether that means volunteering with the less fortunate or chose a more meaningful career path.

The U.S. was rocked by the attack. Between the World Trade Center’s twin towers, the Pentagon, and four passenger jets, 2,996 died, and over 6,000 sustained serious injuries, much of it visible on live television. Countless others died from or continue to suffer from 9/11-related cancer and respiratory diseases. We have lost survivors to suicide as well.

When the attack occurred, the whole country pulled together against a common enemy. We could not have anticipated that twenty years later, we would again be called to pull together, this time to face the coronavirus together and do everything in our power to protect our fellow citizens against COVID-19. As in 2001, it is our first responders and healthcare workers who are paying the highest cost.

We mark this solemn occasion with gratitude for our service members and allies as well and empathy for those who lost loved ones. At Alpha Consulting, we would be remiss in not expressing our appreciation for our employer partners, candidates and employees, the vendors we depend on, and the communities we serve. We hope you’ll join us in a moment of reflection on September 11, 2021, at 8:45 a.m.