Remembering 9/11: Dr. Clark’s Thoughts

By Dr. Ann Clark, CEO and Founder of ACI Specialty Benefits

As the anniversary of 9/11 approaches, we may find ourselves trying to avoid the painful memories of that tragic day that affected everyone in America so powerfully. Must these images be forever burned into memory. The answer is probably yes. However, there are alternatives with coping with anniversary grief. One example is a beautiful memorial and museum in New York City that has attracted hundreds of thousands of visitors. While you may not be able to visit this year, you can get a brief inside tour in this video that shows how beautifully the city of New York has honored those who were lost. The video is very soothing, and has no scenes from the tragedy, just scenes of people visiting the memorial, very peaceful and healing. At this nation’s current time of violence and hatred being spewed in a seemingly endless stream by the media, creating positive images in the mind is just one of many ways to pay forward, by focusing on the amazing international response, the images of heroism, and the new message of world unity and cooperation in the face of disturbing reminders of the fragility of peace.

I know the next time I visit New York City I will definitely make plans to visit the 9/11 memorial and museum. It’s a great way to honor the past, and to see how the city has moved on in such a positive way. Displaying the American flag, bowing your head in a solitary remembrance, or just watching this video, doing something personally can help you honor the past, heal and look to the future in a more positive manner . For more ways of coping with anniversary grief, contact us at (800) 932-0034 or email us.