Today marks 12 years since the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks that claimed nearly 3,000 victims. And while there are no local events set to mark the event that changed national history, Star-News Facebook followers have definite views on why the day should be remembered.

“The horrors that happened that day, made us realize we are not invulnerable to the violence that rocks the rest of the world,” said Marsha Gomillion Phillips. “We learned we can be hurt, badly. But it also brought us together. We became stronger, less complacent and drew strength from each other. We all sat, literally with our jaws dropped, as we watched those planes and their aftermath on television. But, just like Americans always have, we took a deep breath, we did what we needed to do and moved on.

“But there is a quote that is so true and I paraphrase, ‘Those who do not learn from history are doomed to repeat it,’” she said. “I think keeping the memory of that day is our way of assuring it is not repeated.”

Angela Riley Lee agreed.

“The magnitude of Sept. 11 has caused our entire nation to understand that we are not always safe on our own soil,” Lee said. “We were ‘asleep,’ so to speak, in that we all felt untouchable, as if it couldn’t happen to us, even though we had terrorist activity on a much smaller level.

“Sept. 11 was such a huge attack, affecting each one of us – no one can deny how fragile our freedom is after living through such an attack,” she said. “Remembering those we lost, those blessed enough to live through it and the families and friends of all should mean so much to our people.”

Deborah Stokes said, “So many innocent people had no chance at all to protect themselves; so many lives were lost. We should never forget all that was lost that day.”

Phyllis Gray said the day should never be forgotten.

“We all need to remember those who had no choice, but died on American soil where they felt safe,” she said. “What a horrid sight for families of victims and all Americans to view. We should not forget this moment in history.”

Louise Hall Nazario said the day should be remembered not only for those who died, but also for those who worked tireless to save lives and those who fight to protect America’s freedom.

“The lives that were lost not only from the initial attack, but also the brave men and women that worked around the clock to try and rescue the survivors, we should remember,” she said. “And also to our service men and women that have gone to bat for us all in the wake of the attack and are still on the front lines protecting this great country and her people, we should remember.”

Jean Walker believes America should prepare itself for future events.

“I have an uneasy feeling about what may happen (today) considering what we have as leaders this time,” she said. “Remember it was a year ago we lost lives in Bengazi and nothing has been done to rectify that.”

Ron Adams said it is a day that will be with him forever.

“I watched the second tower as it was hit by the plane,” he said. “The building looked almost like it swallowed the plane. I was cut to the gut knowing innocent lives had just been destroyed. We must always remember the tragedy that struck our nation. It will be with me forever.”