Every anniversary is a significant one, but we always seem to put an extra importance on those “round number” events. That’s why it comes as no surprise that this Sunday, Sept. 11, 2011, is being remembered solemnly as the 10th anniversary of the terrorist attacks on the United States.

On Sunday, the American flag is to be flown at half-mast whenever it is displayed. Also, all citizens are asked to observe a moment of silence at 8:46 a.m. Eastern time, the time when the first jet collided with the North Tower of the World Trade Center.

Next week, on Wednesday, Sept. 14, at 11:30 a.m., a ceremony honoring “fallen local heroes” will be held at Willis Park in downtown Bainbridge. The ceremony will include speakers and patriotic music, and all citizens should try to visit if they can.

The anniversary of Sept. 11, 2001, is an opportunity to reflect, pray and remember. We should reflect on the way that our world has changed in those 10 years. Yes, we may find ourselves inconvenienced by TSA agents at airports, or by having to show multiple forms of identification at government agencies, but these measures seem to have done good as well. There has, after all, not been a major attack on U.S. soil since Sept. 11, 2011.

We should remember those souls who perished on that day, as well as their families who are still struggling with the memories. And finally, we should pray that God will continue to bless America and give its leaders the guidance to keep its citizens safe, its military strong, and its values of freedom and opportunity alive forever.