Remember, reflect, and learn

Today, we remember those who lost their lives or were injured 20 years ago on 9/11.

Like most people, I remember exactly where I was as events unfolded. I was at the headquarters of a large company based in Atlanta preparing for dreaded project reviews with our CHRO.

I received a text, on my pager, that a plane hit the World Trade Center. I assumed it was an accidental crash by a small plane at first, but within minutes, my coworkers and I knew what was really happening.

I remember being shocked, saddened, and often afraid by the events of 9/11 and the days afterwards.

But the day after 9/11, my son had his first birthday. So, during that same time, I also experienced joy as we watched my son plunge head first into his first birthday cake! I also knew that many people would never experience that joy because of what happened.

We celebrate my son’s 21st birthday tomorrow. He’s learned so much and grown during the last 20 years.

As I think about 9/11 and the 20 years afterwards, I can’t help but reflect on what we’ve learned. Much of the world’s direction over the last 20 years has been shaped by our response to 9/11.

While I believe much of our response was justified, we made some big mistakes. And we did some things that were wrong by our own standards. What can we learn from that?

As the most powerful economic and military force in our present world, what can we do differently to shape a better future?