09/11/2026
9/11 — May we never forget, and may we continue to learn from all that happened that day.
I remember waking up to the news on the radio that morning. The Twin Towers had been struck. I went downstairs and turned on the television, trying to comprehend what was happening.
Somehow, I knew I would be at work much longer than usual that day. My sister was visiting and could stay with my kids until I got home.
We all know how profoundly the world changed on September 11, 2001.
I remember sitting in my office on the seventh floor of Richmond City Hall, looking towards the airport and wondering what was coming next. The City's Emergency Operations Centre had been activated, and we needed to be ready to support passengers stranded as flights were grounded.
Our experience was nothing on the scale of what unfolded in Gander, Newfoundland, but people still suddenly found themselves far from home and needing help.
My small part that day was helping to set up the call centre. One of the things I remember most clearly was the incredible generosity of British Columbians. People called offering clothing, blankets and places to stay. Offers of help came from as far away as Squamish. People simply wanted to know what they could do to help.
I finally arrived home around 9 p.m. that night. I felt deeply grateful to have a home to return to and to know my children were safe.
That day showed us the very worst of what human beings are capable of. But in my small corner of the world, I also witnessed something very different. I saw British Columbians respond to strangers with generosity, compassion and a willingness to help.
Twenty-five years later, I still remember that.
May we never forget those who lost their lives, those whose lives were forever changed, and the countless people who responded in the days that followed with courage, compassion and kindness.
