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By Dennis Powers
JACKSBORO, TN (SPECIAL TO WLAF)- Many of us still remember the hour it all happened.
I was home sick on the couch, watching the news, when the first report came in: a plane had struck one of the towers. Anchors speculated. Pilot error? Mechanical failure?
Then the second plane hit. Everyone knew. We were under attack.
President Bush was at a Florida elementary school, reading to a class. We watched as his chief of staff leaned in and whispered the news. The president had already been told a plane had hit a tower — that it was likely a small propeller plane and a mechanical accident. I will never forget the look on his face when he learned about the second plane. He knew, too.
A generation earlier, many of us remember where we were when President Kennedy was shot. I was a fifth-grade patrol boy. I had just come back inside after helping the younger children cross the street. The news moved through the school like a shock wave.
As we mark the 25th anniversary of September 11, I hope we also remember how united we were in the days that followed. We hugged our families. We were kinder to our neighbors and friends.
We do not need another 9/11 to stand together as a country. We should never forget the first one. We need to stop the divisive bickering that is splintering us and giving our enemies encouragement. The war that produced the most American casualties was the one we fought among ourselves.
During World War II we supported our troops, our military leaders, and the president. We are in a fight for our lives again — against enemies abroad and enemies within. Another attack is considered imminent. The only way to stop those who are planning it is to stand united behind the policies that will stop them.
Twenty-five years later, let us remember what we said then — and mean it still:
We will never forget.
State Rep. Dennis Powers represents the 36th House District, which includes Campbell, Union and parts of Claiborne County. He is the Full Chairman of the Public Acts Committee in Tennessee House of Representatives. He also serves on the Business and Utilities Subcommittee, the State and Local Government Committee, Commerce Committee, Department and Agencies Sub-committee and Calendar and Rules Committee. (WLAF NEWS PUBLISHED-09/11/2026-6AM)