ESCANABA — Earlier this week we had the opportunity to revisit our memories of the 9/11 terrorists attacks from 23 years ago. I always can judge the impact of any event based on people’s recollection of where they were when the event took place. Remembering how they felt and the shock of the attack on American soil. I was huddled in my office in St. Louis, Missouri with some of my co-workers as the events unfolded. At first thinking it was some terrible accident when the first plane hit the World Trade Center and then live on TV seeing the second plane hit the tower. We were all in shock, no one said anything besides, Oh my God! We did have co-workers, company offices and other business associates all very close to ground zero. After most everyone came to grips with the situation and more information was shared on the terrorist attacks in multiple locations of the US, I remember how everyone dropped any petty differences that seemed so insignificant. People and elected officials really become solidified as Americans. What could be done to heal from this terrible act? Recognizing the heroic first responders that saved so many lives without a second thought of the danger they were taking to help others.

I will always remember President Bush throwing out the first pitch in the 2001 World Series at Yankee Stadium, wearing a FDNY jacket recognizing the first responders. It was a great scene that was meaningful to many citizens in our country. It was during this time of healing that politics took a back seat to what is best for the people of the United States. You certainly didn’t see that anyone with a different feeling besides pride how the country was handling its grief and creating a single vision how we could move forward. We have many initiatives that we need to try to move forward in our area, our state and our country. How do we pull together to get these critical signs of progress moving forward? If we want to see the housing creation our area needs to attract new residents and businesses, we have to work together to make it happen. It is time to put away our petty differences and move forward with a vision of progress that we can all be proud of for our area.

Our schools have opened back up for a new academic year, fall sports and activities are starting as we transition away from some of our summer past times. We had a great summer of events in the area highlighting music, arts, tourism and fun. We had many visitors to the area that will surely look to come back again soon. Thank you to our citizens and business owners that are truly ambassadors for our area. You are typically the first impression our visitors have and you always knock it out of the park. It is also the start of football season. Our schools will be playing each other for bragging rights that have changed hands for many years and will no doubt generate stories and memories past games.

The many professional football fans in the area will continue to show their pride as the watch the Packers, Lions, Bears and Vikings over the season. I know the fun we have had with friends watch games over the years and always look forward to s new season. I hope everyone enjoys the autumn colors as much as we have enjoyed the many events earlier this year.

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Ed Legault is executive director of the Delta County Economic Development Alliance