We don’t always realize when we’re experiencing something historically significant- but 9-11 is one of those days that sticks out. I think almost everyone remembers where they were and what they were doing when disaster struck.

I was in 7th grade. I remember walking into my biology class, and my teacher pulled out the TV where we could see what was happening on the news. As a 12 year old, I didn’t quite understand what was going on- I just kept hearing about the bomb that exploded in NYC, and seeing so many sad images of dust clouds and destruction.

When I got home I started to understand that something truly terrifying and significant had happened. My mom was never one to watch TV, especially the news- but I remember my mom watching the news and understanding dawning more and more. In the aftermath, it was definitely something we talked about and studied. To this day, my heart always beats a little faster when I hear a plane flying too low/too close. The question always in the back of my mind- what if it happened again? To my community?

The tragedy of 9-11 is horrific and heartbreaking. But do you know what else I remember from that time? I remember so much PATRIOTISM. I remember flags everywhere, a sense of community. A love of country, a love for neighbor.

It is sad to me that we seem to have lost that as a country overall. Which is why it’s important, I believe, to tactfully talk about these things with our children. My 3 year old will not understand. But my 8 year old can have a basic understanding, and I want him to grow up knowing and comprehending where he comes from and where he lives. I want my children to love America. I want them to proudly say the pledge. I want them to respectfully put their hands on their hearts when they hear the national anthem. I want them to be emotional on Independence Day because they are so grateful to be American, and to have the opportunity to live in this wonderful country.

And in my opinion, nothing makes a conversation more memorable and meaningful than delicious food. Talking about these things can be hard, but eating some patriotic cookies at the same time can make the experience a bit more tender and memorable. I have a small unopened package of red, white and blue M&M’s from July that I can use for just this purpose. A berry salad is simple and easy to put together, but a small way to add some patriotism to the day. A patriotic charcuterie board consisting of strawberries, blueberries, red and blue tortilla chips, mozzarella cheese, and other assortments of red, white and blue food is a simple way to acknowledge the day- the lives that were lost, the patriotism our nation felt.

How will you remember 9-11 today?