September 11, 2001 is a day I remember vividly. The terrorist attacks that day changed our lives in a variety of ways and we were different on September 12, 2001. There is a post circulating on social media that describes a longing for that day when we were running out of flags in the stores; when people didn’t care about your religion, your political party, your social class; we hugged people no matter what brand they preferred; we were united. The feeling prevailed for a few years in many instances.

What caused these feelings of unity and belonging? I’m sure a shared traumatic experience had something to do with it, but it might run a little deeper than that.

In Alma, Moroni lists a host of things which allowed his army to gain power over Zerahemnah’s army. Among faith and family, he also lists “that liberty which binds us to our lands and our country” (Alma 44:5).

I believe that this is our common denominator for unity and belonging…this liberty that binds us.

But what exactly is it?

I’m not sure it is a list of specific freedoms. Rather, I think it is more about principles of freedom.

There is a phrase in the Doctrine and Covenants that summarizes three things a sustainable government will protect: (1) free exercise of conscience, (2) the right and control of property, and (3) the protection of life (see D&C 134:2).

I break it down this way:

1. Freedom to become my ideal
2. Freedom to have stewardship
3. Freedom to do #1 and #2 without someone taking them from me

Many people want to come to the United States because our government has traditionally been a safe place that protects these principles of freedom. Some call it the American Dream; whatever it is called, people come here because there is opportunity to do better and to be your best.

On 9/11 when we were attacked, that ideal was attacked.

And on 9/12, it didn’t matter who was standing next to you in America.

Because no one was going to take away that liberty from me or from my neighbor.

We hear the phrase ‘Never Forget’ in 9/11-related posts on social media, on t-shirts and billboards, and in the news. First and foremost, for me this refers to those we lost that day. It refers to the real heroes–the first-responders–who saved lives and many of whom gave the ultimate sacrifice that day. We should never forget.

Yet there is more to remember.

There seemed to be more posts this weekend about 9/11 than usual. Not sure why. Maybe I am just imagining it. Maybe I am just wanting that. But part of me hopes that it is a plea for us to remember…

Remember that we don’t have to be so divided. Remember that we don’t have to hate and destroy each other. Remember that we have neighbors who want to be their best too. Remember that we should be as protective of our neighbor’s freedoms as we are of our own. Remember that there was a day after that freedom was threatened when we stood together.

Never forget that there is a liberty that binds us.