U.S. flags were lowered to half-mast yesterday all across the country in remembrance of the victims who died tragically 14 years ago during the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks. In Pearl River County, students — barely old enough to remember that day — honored those men and women who lost their lives during that dark day and those that followed.

Friday, students from Pearl River Central High School, including NJROTC members, commemorated the anniversary by placing U.S. flags around the school’s flagpole. While many of those students were toddlers during Sept. 11 and don’t have first-hand accounts of the grief resulting from the attacks, the fact that they’re taking the time to honor the memories of those victims who lost their lives years ago speaks volumes.

All of us were affected by Sept. 11 in some way or another. It’s through our stories and recollections that we can keep that day alive in order for future generations to understand the significance of it and continue to honor those we lost and remember what our country stands for—“life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness,” as written in the U.S. Declaration of Independence.

Sept. 11 is forever etched in our nation’s history. As citizens of this country, it’s our job to pass down our country’s history to future generations, no matter how painful it may be. We must never forget those moments in time that shaped our country in some way or another.

We can keep that memory alive by recounting stories to our youth about the people we lost that day and those who were saved; the brave men and women who marched overseas to defend our nation; and those heroes back home who helped their fellow brothers and sisters in times of need.

As long as we keep talking about that day and honoring the memories of those we lost, future generations will be able to keep that history alive — a history that shows others how resilient and strong this nation can be when its people stand united.