Editor's note:  September 11, 2001 is a day that carries a unique meaning in the heart of every New Yorker. Whether you were born in the Bronx, have spent a summer on Long Island, visited Niagara Falls, hiked the Catskills or Adirondack Mountains, or found yourself in awe of the marvels of nature across the Empire State; 9/11 is one day, every year, that brings all of New York and the World together. As we mark the 25th anniversary of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, we gather as men and Masons to unite in grief, reflection, and deep appreciation for the men and women who lost and made the ultimate sacrifice to protect our way of life.

NEVER FORGET!

A poem by: VW Daniel J Martin

Smoke billows soaring,

Fire trucks a-roaring,

Jet fuel a-pouring,

Our innocence lost.

Fists clenched in anger,

Imminent danger,

Hugging a stranger,

A line has been crossed.

The anger,

Confusion,

The hatred,

The love.

All our hopes,

And our prayers,

To our God,

Above.

We’ll never forget:

Our Firemen,

Policemen,

Countrymen,

We lost.

Our Soldiers,

Our Sailors,

Our Airmen,

Who fought.

Our freedom,

Our future,

All their blood,

Has bought.