It is hard to believe that it has been 21 years since the attacks on our country. We all remember where we were and what we were doing. People, who were not even born at the time, are adults.

We had just come off the 2000 Y2K scare. We had lived in somewhat concern about computers crashing on the last day of the year. People had stockpiled food and water and other supplies in case the entire system broke down. Of course we awoke to find our world was safe and sound.

Then the attacks on the Trade Center, airplanes and buildings important to our nation’s security.

It seems so long ago. We remember but we also forget. I am sure that is what the people in Hawaii did too. They banded together and rebuilt. They got up every morning and went to provide for their families.

That is what we are supposed to do as Americans. We get up and provide for our families. When they are tended too, we help others provide for their families. We are pretty good at that.

We have had some awful times the past few years. We have had a pandemic plague. Fires everywhere. Temperatures that are setting records. Flooding and more flooding.

We have taken vaccinations, boosters and more vaccinations. People are still getting sick. It is almost time for flu shots. What about monkey pox and polio?

We have a lot on our plates. Prices at the grocery store and the gas pump have bloomed ever upward. People can’t afford to stay where they live or to sell and find a new place to go. Yet we keep going. We still speak kindly to people in stores. We help a neighbor when we can. We bite our tongues (hopefully) and keep our mouths shut rather than cause a scene. We, as Americans, are good people. We try to help out when and where we can. We get discouraged but we get up, pick up the pieces and get back in the game. Elections are coming once again. Let’s hope there are fresh faces out there to help lead the country. Younger people who can weather the trials and tests facing us.

So if you can, always be kind. Always try to help when needed. Make where you live a better places, not worse. Volunteer. Lend a hand. Help a civic group. Do something without expecting a cash reward.

Live like the people we are supposed to be.

Joan Dorsey

Contributing columnist