I think of people like Welles Crowther, the man in the red bandanna, the 24-year-old equities trader who had wanted to be a firefighter. The man who could have gotten out, but went back, again and again, to save people, because that was who he was and that was what he had to do.

The most striking thing that he said to the people he was trying to help that day is a lesson still: those who can stand up, stand up now; if you can, help those around you. What would you do in the last hour of your life, and what would it look like? Welles Crowther stood up, and gave his live to save others. And there can be no higher calling. I like to think that for those like Welles, it must be something when God welcomes them home to Heaven, “Here you are, my good and faithful servant.”

May we always remember those who lost their lives and those, like Welles, who gave his life to do all he could in that moment. For there is no greater love. May we also take his lesson to stand up, if we can — because there is such need for that now.