Dear Editor,

In the late 1980s, I worked for a short time on the 103rd floor of Two World Trade Center, the South Tower. Eleven years later, on September 11, all who worked on the 103rd died.

I had lived in Gateway Plaza, gone up the street to Battery Park, jogged across the Brooklyn Bridge … I didn’t get concerned when the elevator bumped the side of the elevator shaft on stormy days, or when I could hear the creaks and pops when it was quiet or even see the water in the toilet move from side to side on a windy day. This was how it was suppose to work. For a short time, this had been home to this Alabama boy.

On Sept. 11, 2001, from my office in Westover, I watched on television in disbelief. My old office building fell first. I could see my old apartment building. I was angry.

Please remember the way you felt that day. In these tough times, please encourage our leaders to remember the way they felt and to resurrect the spirit of resolve and togetherness we saw when congressional members sang “God Bless America” on the steps of the Capitol.

Please, thank a veteran, police officer, firefighter or member of the military for what they have done and are doing to protect us from those who would attack if they could. William said, “Show me the manner in which a Nation cares for its dead, and I will measure with mathematical exactness, the tender mercies of its people, their respect for the laws of the land and their loyalties to high ideals.”

Let’s always remember. May God Bless America.

Mark McLaughlin

Mayor of Westover