Honoring the Memory While Embracing the Present

Today marks the 23rd anniversary of the tragic events of September 11, 2001. As we remember the bravery and loss experienced that day, it's essential to acknowledge how it reshaped our lives and perspectives. Today, The Patrick Madrid Show reflects on the enduring impact of 9/11 through heartfelt personal accounts and solemn remembrances.

Here are three key takeaways from this deeply moving episode:

• Resilience in the Face of Fear: Multiple callers spoke about the immediate fear that followed the attacks, yet highlighted the strength they found in their faith, family, and community.

• The Value of Remembrance: Guests emphasized that remembering 9/11 isn’t about lingering in sadness but honoring the victims and ensuring such events are never forgotten—paralleling how other historical tragedies are commemorated to educate and unite us.

• Embracing the Present: Reflective stories shared by callers revealed a newfound appreciation for daily life and family. Many adopted practices of regularly expressing love and gratitude, understanding the fragility and preciousness of each moment.

Join us in remembering and reflecting.

Show Notes for today:

Audio: 9/11 montage (from Glenn Beck) (02:05)

Patrick shares a couple of emails from listeners about their experience that fateful day (05:46)

George – 9/11 changed me. I am a Catholic from the Middle East. It confirmed what I already knew about Middle Eastern Muslims (09:52)

John - I was at my Job in NJ when 9/11 happened. Several parishioners in our parish died that day. The hijackers had their last dinner at a steak house in our area which is always difficult to pass. (12:33)

Thomas - I was 8 years old when it happened. I could see the smoke from NJ when they pulled us out of school. (17:11)

Holly – My dad was stationed at the Pentagon, but he was not working that day. (20:19)

Audio: CJ Pearson with PragerU about 9/11 (25:03)

Joshua - I was in High School, 16-years-old, and I was walking to my biology class. The teacher had the TV on, and she had a son in one of the towers. Because of 9/11, I decided to enroll myself to the military at 17-years-old and then served in Iraq. (31:15)

Mike – 9/11 affected the abortion industry. Abortions stopped for the first few weeks. Planned Parenthood had to pay people to get abortions (33:42)

Ray - Why are you talking about 9/11 the whole show? (37:19)

Paul - I was working in Honolulu during 9/11. I had a colleague who was very happy about 9/11, and it disturbed me. (42:01)

Joe - I was living in London at the time. I had just left the Trade Center a few weeks earlier and several people I knew died but others lived (45:32)

Cecilia - We arrived from another country that week. It is very important that we keep these memories in our mind.

John - I was in Guam at the time and the entire island was shut down for several months. (48:59)