I woke up earlier than usual for a weekend day on Saturday. I looked outside at an impeccable day, with barely a cloud in the sky. I received a text message from one of my dearest friends, letting me know she was driving to our alma mater, University of Vermont, for a visit. The thought made me smile, but something was bothering me, and I couldn’t figure out what, until I started to make my coffee. I quickly understood the underlying tension in the air — it was Sept. 11. As I poured my coffee, the emotions came rushing back to me as quickly as the espresso flowed from my Nespresso machine. Nine years ago I had been with that same friend who texted me in Burlington, witnessing a horror never before seen in our country, let alone in my backyard of Manhattan. As I went about my morning on Saturday, I tried to figure out what to do. I turned on the TV, then immediately turned it off. I would have cried the whole day if I continued to watch the names of the victims being called out, one by one, at the various sites of the attack, The World Trade Center, the Pentagon and the area in Pennsylvania where UAL Flight 93 crashed. I decided the best thing to do was go about my day and take in the sunshine as best I could. I even enjoyed some amazing US Open tennis matches. Later that evening, I headed to the Lower East Side to a buzzing new tapas joint, The Ten Bells. I was getting annoyed at my taxi driver for taking Park Avenue instead of 2nd Avenue until I looked out the window and saw the spotlight of the Twin Towers lighting up the sky and pointing to the heavens. The sight sobered me, and I stopped complaining. The sight also triggered my belief that mankind may never learn from the lessons of our past, despite tragic losses all around the world from centuries of travesties, war and terrorism. However, I don’t wish to post my personal views on how, or why, September 11th happened on this blog. I merely wish to state my thoughts and overwhelming sadness associated with this day. No matter anyone’s political, cultural or religious views, I know no one wants to endure the pain and suffering that comes with losing a loved one. As the world continues to spin and another September 11th has passed us by, my heartfelt thoughts go out to those who suffered as a result of the atrocious acts of terrorism. — Alex Young, vice president and associate publisher