As we approach the 20th anniversary of 9/11, we asked our readers share their memories and help honor the lives lost. The following are memories of that event from our readers.

Every year at this time I’m taken back to the events of 9/11. The memories always affect me emotionally and I reminisce back to those days we served, unbelievably 20 years ago.

You graciously did an article on me and my beloved Therapy Dog “Bryar” Sept. 11, 2013. She remains a huge part of my heart, just as the memories of helping the victims’ families after 9/11.

My current therapy dog “Vayl” and I continue the legacy of volunteering as a therapy dog team throughout many hospitals, nursing homes and children’s reading programs of the Lehigh Valley.

We need to remember those who served (humans and K-9) and died on that horrific day and the days that followed. I appreciate your continuing to keep the memories of those days alive in our thoughts.

If you have a chance, go to YouTube and watch a video from Dog Files “Heroes of 9/11 Legacy” Episode 16. It tells the story of all the dog’s that served. Many were from the Lehigh Valley.

Mary Minnich

Salisbury Township

Like many Americans in my age group [70+], there are one or two incidents occurring during our lifetimes which had such international consequences that they stand out in our minds as if they happened yesterday. For me, it was the assassination of JFK Nov. 22, 1963 and the attack on America Sept. 11, 2001.

On that latter date, I was recently retired and therefore at home that morning. My wife was at her weekly bowling league and called at about 8:50 a.m. to say I should turn on the TV as a small plane had apparently crashed into one of the twin towers.

I turned on the TV and there was much speculation about what had exactly happened. Our oldest son was living in Virginia with his family, obtaining a master’s degree from the University of Virginia. As he was also at home, I called him a little after 9 a.m. and he and I were talking to each other and watching our TVs when the second plane flew into the south tower. Exclamations and then a stunned mutual silence followed.

James McMahan

Macungie

How can you possibly explain the horrors of that day?

Sitting in my sunlit living room watching the planes hit the towers and thinking it was a accident but then when the other two planes hit the Pentagon and crashed in Shanksville it didn’t take long to realize this was indeed a purposeful act of aggression.

The days following were spent trying to figure out who would do such a horrific taking of innocent lives. What did they want to prove?

A few days after I answered the call to receive a bracelet with the name of a first responder who was lost in the Towers. I received the name of John Dallara NYPD MIA which I wore for a year after and now wear on the anniversary of 9/11.

On my bucket list is to have the opportunity to sometime meet his family.

I chose to become a founding member of the Memorial in Schanksville and have visited the site. I encourage all to visit it as you will feel the sadness and bravery of the people on the plane. (Let’s roll).

Our country changed on that day both for the good and bad as folks flew the flag and the compassion shown to all victims and families was incredible. But unfortunately has not been shown since. The bad was the evil shown to those innocent victims and is present even today.

Barbara Walters

Bethlehem Township