The nation wakes up this morning to the smoldering remains of the two tallest structures ever built in New York City. The rising of the sun brings with it the dawning of a new age in this land. The innocense of generations were, in a matter of moments, stolen away and lost forever in the dust, ash, and debris.

It is hard to believe that just over 26 hours ago, everything was business as usual. People made their normal commutes into the city. They rode the crowded subways, packed in like sardines, wondering about whatever it is that people wonder about. No one wondered if they would survive the day.

Then it hit. A plane smashes into the north tower. Oh my Lord. What a horrible accident. Then suddenly, as the world was watching, a second plane comes screaming across the New York skyline and is engulfed in ball of fire as it dives into the south tower. This was no accident. This was war.

It had been stated over and over yesterday. But I think it’s worth saying again. September 11th, 2001 will be a day which will define America. It is a date that no one will ever forget. While casualty numbers will continue to increase for weeks to come, it is a safe to assume that this will be the greatest tragedy ever to occur on US soil. Comparisons have been made to Pearl Harbor. This is much worse.

We knew who the enemy was back in ‘41. We knew who attacked us and we had a rallying point. 60 years later, this is not the case. We’re not entirely sure who was behind this. Even if we did, we probably don’t know where they are. We wouldn’t be at war with a nation, with the option of surrender; we would be at war with select few individuals, who may never stop their reign of terror.

But that will not deter us. The American people will unite. Race divisions seem trivial. Political allegiances seem insignificant. It doesn’t matter who you are or what you believe in. We are Americans. We will be stronger. We will prevail. At the least we will move on.

And maybe, just maybe, some good may come out of this. We can only hope and pray.