Moving ahead, 11 years after the 9/11 attacks

Last Sept. 11 marked the 10th anniversary of the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center, a terrible day on which more than 3,000 people, including dozens of South Shore residents, died. We came together to mourn after a decade of turmoil and triumph.

But what of this year’s 11th anniversary? And the 12th and 13th? How do we move on?

We prefer to say that we’re moving ahead, not moving on. “Moving on” suggests that we have forgotten the devastation –– both physical and psychological –– of the attacks, in New York and beyond. “Moving ahead” suggests that we are recovering but have not forgotten. Our psychic wounds are at long last healing.

We can take comfort in knowing that Osama bin Laden is dead, and his reviled Al Qaeda terrorist network is nearly gone, according to security analysts.

We can take comfort in knowing that 1 World Trade Center, the soaring steel and glass structure rising in Lower Manhattan, is expected to be completed next year. This super-structure, which will tower 1,776 feet, symbolizes our resolve as a nation to carry on, to face our fears and stand tall and proud.

And we can take comfort in one another. Politics have divided us in recent years, but we mustn’t forget that, no matter how greatly our points of view might differ, we are all Americans, fighting for freedom together. We should celebrate our liberty.

We can think of few better ways to do that than by participating in the Stephen Siller Tunnel to the Towers 5K Walk/Run on Sept. 30. The event retraces the steps of Stephen Siller, a New York City firefighter who grew up in Rockville Centre, as he ran from his station house in Brooklyn to Manhattan on Sept. 11. Siller died trying to save others at the World Trade Center.

The Siller family organized the walk/run to pay tribute to Stephen and to raise money for charity. To date, the annual event has raised some $10 million. Funds now go to build technologically advanced homes for multiple amputees returning from war in Afghanistan and Iraq.

The event is a beautiful, joyful celebration of life –– and our liberty. It brings people together in a spirit of fun and friendship, for a good cause. We remember the past as we move ahead.

You can find more on the Stephen Siller Tunnel to the Towers Walk/Run at www.tunneltotowersrun.org/nyc_run.aspx.