Dear Residents,

September 11, 2021

Twenty years ago, the United States and the world were transformed. The attacks in New York, Washington and Pennsylvania plunged our country into the reality and senselessness of war. 

More than 3,000 people died that day, among them a former Canton resident. We also lost 343 firefighters and EMTs who did what they always do in the face of danger: they ran toward it and they saved lives. 
We came together as a country and summoned the will of the world to combat the terrorists who perpetrated these attacks. Our efforts came at a heavy cost. Wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, ongoing health issues for first responders, fear in airports, concerts, shopping malls and subway stations, wounds - seen and unseen - in our veterans.

Through it all, we stood together, fought together and mourned together. Most importantly, we touched on what unites us always: our desire to help each other through unimaginable horror. 

We shall never forget. We shall always hold each other’s hands in crisis. And with love and compassion in all the trials before us, we shall prevail.

Stay well,
Bob Bessel