When we look back on 2001, the story of the year, albeit it's a tragic one that will live in our memories for the rest of our lives, was the Sept. 11 attacks.

It's hard to imagine not only the number of lives that were lost, but also the number of lives that were affected on that morning. But perhaps stronger than our painful memories of the towers erupting into flames are the memories of them standing tall, the fond memories of those who worked in and around them and those who assisted in the rescue efforts.

The towers had been standing since 1973. Each was 110 stories with over 200,000 tons of steel, 600,000 square feet of glass and 12,000 miles of electrical cables.

They were landmarks that will not be forgotten and just as they were once built, they can be built again. In a way, the towers are like the lives of those who had been affected by the attack. Their lives must also be rebuilt, but without concrete, steel and glass. Instead, lives will be put back together with love, compassion, and prayer.

Mineola resident and Civic Association president Bill Urianek was an electrician in the early 1970's, working on the towers. Mr. Urianek took photos of the towers being built. The Mineola American is fortunate that Mr. Urianek generously shared his photos with us. We would like to thank him.