Two days we will never forget: Sept 10, Sept. 11

By SUZANNE DOWNING

September 11 will always mark the day America was changed forever. Twenty-four years ago, nearly 3,000 souls were taken in the deadliest attack on American soil. We remember the smoke, the collapse of the towers, the courage of first responders, and the way Americans came together in unity during those dark days.

Last year, conservative champion Charlie Kirk of Turning Point USA reflected on 9/11, noting how it altered the course of the nation. He wrote of the national unity we once felt, and the freedoms and opportunities that have too often been squandered since:

“I was just a kid when it happened, but I remember how 9/11 changed everything about America.

“23 years ago today, nearly 3,000 people died in the deadliest attack on American soil in our history. For a moment America was united. Sadly, so much has been squandered in endless wars, a loss of our basic American freedoms, and terrible decisions.

“We will never forget the lives lost, the bravery of the first responders that day, or the America we are working everyday to restore.”

His words feel haunting now.

Because this year, on Sept. 10, Charlie Kirk himself was taken from us — assassinated while speaking to students at an event on a college campus in Utah.

Just as many of us remember where we were when the Twin Towers were struck, we will remember where we were when the news of Kirk’s death spread.

When there was an attempt on Donald Trump’s life just over a year ago, it was shocking. But this feels different. The loss of Kirk — a husband, father, Christian, and fearless patriot — has pierced deeply into America’s heart. Something has changed.

We will never forget the lives lost on 9/11. And we will never forget Charlie Kirk, whose own voice reminded us that America is worth fighting for: Never Surrender.

Breaking: Charlie Kirk shot on Utah university campus