Today our nation remembers the tragic events of Sept. 11, 2001. Although 15 years have passed since that horrific day, most of us still remember it like it was yesterday, and continue to pause every year to reflect.

On Friday, the FAU Police, Boca Raton Police and Boca Raton Fire Departments gathered at the flagpoles in front of our Administration Building for a brief ceremony. They observed a moment of silence at 8:46 a.m. – the time of the first strike – to honor the memory of the nearly 3,000 men, women and children who lost their lives in New York City, Washington, D.C. and outside of Shanksville, Pennsylvania. Of those lost, about 470 were first responders or military personnel. Additionally, more than 6,000 people were injured.

As I join our nation in reflecting on 9/11, I’m reminded of how in the midst of our mourning, we found a renewed sense of patriotism, as well as a sense of strength in each other as Americans that continues to this day. We will never forget those we lost, and we will continue to honor their memory by forging ahead, defending our way of life and protecting our cherished freedoms.

God Bless America.