In common thought, these are usually words associated with joyful accomplishments - something to be proud of, to celebrate, and to remember. We mark special occasions each year in some way, whether with a gathering, a favorite meal, or simply a moment to pause and reflect.

Many of our client partners prepare for or recognize a significant anniversary with a capital campaign. Sometimes, the campaign builds toward the anniversary, for example, renovating or expanding a campus so that a renewed vision can be unveiled as part of the celebration. Other times, the anniversary serves as the catalyst for a campaign - an opportunity to honor the past, restore what has been entrusted to us, or create an endowment that helps preserve and strengthen the faith community for the next generations.

Anniversary campaigns can rally and excite a community! Coming together around a shared vision creates energy and momentum, while underscoring a foundation of hope, love, unity, and faith. When thoughtfully prepared, these milestones can be meaningful celebrations.

But this week, we prepare for a very different kind of anniversary...

The 25th Anniversary of September 11, 2001.

At first blush, it is not something we would associate with the words milestone or celebration. Yet we still call it an anniversary - a day that returns to our calendars each year and calls us to remember.

We all lost something that day and in the days that followed – even still, through today. Some lost a family member, a friend, a coworker, a neighbor. Others lost a sense of security, or perhaps the innocence of believing that tomorrow would look much like yesterday.

And yet, as painful as those memories remain, September 11 also revealed something extraordinary about who we can be.

We saw courage. We saw people, like my brother Michael, run toward danger to help others. We saw strangers caring for strangers. We saw communities come together, people reaching across differences, and countless acts of generosity and compassion.

When we say, 'never forget', we certainly mean those we lost. We remember their lives, their families, their courage, and the profound loss experienced by so many.

But perhaps we should also 'never forget' who we were in the aftermath.

We were a people who came together and helped one another. We were a people encouraged to choose hope in the midst of fear, love in the midst of hatred, unity in the midst of division, and faith in the midst of despair.

We know we can be that people.

And perhaps the greatest tribute we can offer is to remember that it should not take a tragedy to bring out the best in us.

So, on this 25th anniversary, we remember those who were lost and the events of that day. But we also remember what was revealed in the days that followed - and recommit ourselves to being a people of hope, love, unity, and faith.

May we carry that spirit forward, not only on this anniversary, but every day.

May God bless you, your families, and your communities, especially as we pause to remember and pray on this 25th Anniversary of September 11, 2001.

Click below for Online Resources

Phone: 631-351-1368 · info@lynchdevelopment.com