A Tribute to 9/11 Survivors and Victims

It’s hard to believe that 24 years have passed since the day America fell to one of the most horrific tragedies in our history. I remember it like it was yesterday. At the time, I was busy planning my wedding—finalizing seating arrangements, decorations, and even convincing my mom that the cake designer should make two tiny pearls, one in a tuxedo and one with a veil, tucked inside a shell. (To this day, I wonder where those little pearls ended up!)

But when the news broke, all of that stopped. I sat frozen, unable to process what I was watching unfold live on TV. Never in my mind did I imagine that day would mark the moment when our lives—and our nation—would change forever. The American spirit felt wounded, fading before our very eyes. And while division had been building for years, this attack tore at us in ways we still feel today.

Yet America is still the land of freedom—the rare nation that allows us to speak openly, worship freely, and cast our vote with our own voice. I don’t take that for granted. I came from a country overshadowed by China’s oppression, where people lived under the weight of fear and where girls were seen as less than worthy. Somehow, my family was chosen to come to the United States, and for that I will be forever grateful.

I thank the American people who gave us this chance at freedom. I thank my Aunt Helen, who fought for us to be here. I thank my cousins Wendy and Cindy, who welcomed us with kindness and even shared their toys when we first arrived. I thank my Aunt Irene and Uncle Edy for opening their home, and I thank my mom and dad for their courage—leaving everything behind to build a new life and eventually becoming proud American citizens. Above all, I thank God for protecting us through it all.

Today, as I juggle the chaos of life—chaos I chose, and a gift in its own way—I pause to remember the greater gift my family received so many years ago: America. For all her flaws and struggles, she is still my America. Good or bad, rich or poor, divided or united—today, I choose to love her more.

My prayers go out to our nation, for healing and for strength. And as we remember the innocent lives lost yesterday and years ago, I especially honor Mr. Charlie Kirk, who has gone home to serve the Lord he loved and the nation he cherished. May he, along with the countless others we’ve lost, watch over us from above and continue to bless America with hope and healing.