25 years after September 11, 2001, the images are still impossible to forget. The airplanes. The burning World Trade Center. The collapse of the Twin Towers. The dust-covered faces. The rubble. The fear. And the moment the world seemed to collectively gasp. In this special episode of What’s New with ME, I share my deeply personal 9/11 story and reflect on how September 11 changed America, my family, American politics, immigration, national security, faith, and an entire generation. On September 11, 2001, I was a 15-year-old living in Casablanca, Morocco, thousands of miles away from New York City. My mother was already living in New Jersey, and as the attacks unfolded, communication became difficult and I had no immediate way of knowing whether she and my family were safe. I also share the vivid memories I carry from watching the attacks unfold on live television in Morocco, including the World Trade Center burning and collapsing, the destruction at Ground Zero, and the reactions I personally witnessed around me. At the exact same time, a 13-year-old girl named Claudia was immigrating from Colombia to the United States. Her arrival in America happened on September 11, 2001. Her flight was disrupted and landed in Miami. Years later, Claudia would become my wife. Our lives would eventually become part of a much larger American story. My older brother went on to serve in the United States Army, completing two tours in Afghanistan. My sister became a police officer. My cousin serves in Homeland Security. My wife volunteers in EMS. And today, I am raising my children in America, serving my community, and running for Eatontown Borough Council. This episode also examines the legacy of 9/11 beyond Ground Zero: the War on Terror, Afghanistan, Homeland Security, airport security, immigration policy, national security, fear of terrorism, attitudes toward Muslims and Middle Eastern immigrants, and the political worldview of an entire generation of Americans. But above everything else, this episode is about remembrance. Nearly 3,000 people went to work, boarded airplanes, responded to emergency calls, or simply began their normal Tuesday morning—and never returned home. We remember them. We honor the firefighters, police officers, EMTs, service members, families, survivors and countless Americans whose lives were forever changed. Twenty-five years later, I don't believe fear should have the final word. The strength of America inspires me to stand tall, love hard, protect my family, serve my neighbors and do everything I can to do what is right—as a father, husband, Christian, American and community member. September 11 changed America. It changed my family. And it changed me. We remember. We serve. And we never forget. For more episodes of What’s New with ME, original interviews, news, history, business, faith and community conversations, visit: TheMEStudios.net
