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A decade later, we remember.

Yesterday, my step-daughter asked me what was so special about today. She is only 11 and therefore too young to remember, and probably still too young to learn the significance what happened that day. I just hope she doesn’t have to experience anything like it in her lifetime.

The morning of September 11 started off as a typical day for pretty much the whole world. The NHL was about to open up their rookie camps, a lockout was not even in the minds of any player, owner or fan.

I don’t have to tell you, or give any further details of what happened as that morning progressed. The end result was a our views of the world at large being altered forever, as those living in the western world realized that not even we were safe from terrorist actions.

The impact of 9/11/2001 reached everyone, including those with ties to the Habs community.

Canadiens captain Brian Gionta was about to embark on his first rookie camp with the New Jersey Devils, he shared his memories with canadiens.com

“I arrived at the practice facility in West Orange, NJ around 7:00 a.m., We were going through our medical exams when we heard the news. We couldn’t believe it – I mean, we had all just gone out for dinner in the city the night before. All the guys were huddled around the TVs in the rink to find out as much as we could about what was going on. The phones weren’t even working at that point.

“There were a few spots inside the arena where you could actually see the Manhattan skyline. “We could see the smoke pouring out of the towers. I knew a few people who were in there – former classmates and some friends of friends.” – Brian Gionta

Hip Hop artist Annakin Slayd, known more for his encouraging playoff video, “Feels Like ’93” was in Manhattan on that tragic day.

His latest video, “Thompson 25” includes video footage he took himself of the towers and his return to Ground Zero a decade later.

It’s on this day that we pay tribute to the victims of September 11, 2001. May they rest in peace, and our condolences to their families..

We also need to acknowledge the heroes of that day, the days after, and those who carry those duties today. If you see a fireman, a police officer or ambulance driver in your community today, maybe you should say hello and thank-you for the job they do. They may not have been in New York City, Washington, or a field in Pennsylvania, but they would have easily have done the same as those who fell that day.

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