It’s been 11 years since terrorism left its mark on the U.S.

Today, Americans will pause and remember the events of Sept. 11, 2001, and the series of four suicide attacks on U.S. soil.

Local residents said Monday that while time may have eased the pain a bit for the families of the nearly 3,000 people lost that day, citizens should never forget the event that changed U.S. history forever.

Catherine Kimbril said people should commemorate the day more.

“I don’t think we honor Sept. 11 enough,” she said. “It seems to have gotten less important to people.”

And many locals agreed.

“It’s been said that those who do not remember the past are destined to repeat it,” said Florala’s Kim Williamson. “We must never forget what transpired in our country September 11, 2001.”

Stephanie Seay of Andalusia expressed the same thought.

“If we don’t share the past with our children, then how are we preparing them for the future?” Seay said. “The past must be remembered, regardless of how painful.”

Star-News columnist Nancy Blackmon said citizens should focus on the positive that came from the events of that day.

“I think it is great to talk about positive things that have come from that experience,” she said. “Like how some of those touched by the tragedy have turned it into a triumph of the spirit.”

For Marsha Phillips, it was simple – “We have never forgotten Pearl Harbor nor should we ever forget Sept. 11.”