Friday marked the 19th anniversary of 9/11.

Many of us will remember where we were and what we were doing when the news hit the airwaves.

I was in my kitchen when the news broke. I stood dumbfounded looking at the television, not really understanding what was going on.

I am not sure anyone knew what was happening until, of course, the second tower was hit, followed by an attack on the Pentagon and then the attack that was thwarted by passengers on Flight 93 over Pennsylvania.

Looking back, it almost seems surreal.

While at the office Wednesday my editor asked all of us in the newsroom what we thought would be a good way to commemorate what has been called the attack on freedom.

I suggested comparing it to the crisis we are all experiencing now with the COVID-19 pandemic.

He immediately responded with “there is no comparison.”

The 9/11 attacks brought us together as a country, he said, while the coronavirus has torn us apart.

This comment resonated with me and I felt sad — sad that he was right.

For months now, the virus has become a political weapon used by many. For me, this has only reinforced the opinion I have of our country’s leaders. Whether Democratic or Republican, our leaders should have all done a better job of helping us come together.

And while there are many who feel this crisis is the president’s fault, I don’t think the spread of the virus can be blamed solely on one person.

This pandemic, like the devastation caused by the 9/11 attacks, should have been a time of unity, a time to set aside differences and work together for the good of the country. But instead, the pandemic has created a divide.

So many should feel ashamed, certainly those who are opponents to the president.

If those who truly think Trump is what they claim him to be, why would you want to poke the bear? Wouldn’t you want to devise a means of bringing a little honey to the picnic?

It is sad that some in positions of power find it more important to strengthen that power than care for the country.

Certainly, there are a number of things that have played into the erosion of our unity, but I feel some of our leaders should be saddled with much of the blame.

Nineteen years ago, we were united. A tragedy not only brought us to our knees, but it also brought us together.

I hope this anniversary of 9/11 will serve not only as a day to remember what happened 19 years ago but that we will also be reminded of who we were as a country — strong and united together as one.

Terri Cowart Frazier is a staff writer for The Vicksburg Post. She can be reached at terri.frazier@vicksburgpost.com.