A Reflection on 9/11: Dignity, Service, and the Power of Citizenship

Every night, while New York City sleeps, Jim Maroon and his team step into the quiet shadows of the 9/11 Memorial pools. From midnight to 8 a.m., they meticulously clean the waters, vacuuming and brushing the surfaces with care. This is no ordinary job—it’s a labor of respect, pride, and remembrance.

For Jim, it’s also deeply personal. His father worked in the area for most of his life. It’s where Jim grew up and where his roots are firmly planted. Like countless other New Yorkers, Jim was on his way to work on September 11, 2001, when the first plane struck.

Today, his work at the Memorial pools is his way of giving back, honoring those who were lost and the resilience of those who carry on.

Each morning, as Jim puts his tools away, he asks himself a simple but profound question: “Did I do this well?”

This question holds a quiet power, reflecting not just Jim’s work ethic but also a fundamental value: the dignity of labor.

The Dignity of Labor

The dignity of labor is one of the values that drew me to this country. In America, every job, no matter how small, can be done with pride. It’s a principle that resonates deeply with me, as someone who made the choice to become an American citizen—a decision that wasn’t easy but felt necessary.

When I decided to naturalize, I had to give up my Indian citizenship. At the time, India didn’t allow dual citizenship, which made this choice all the more significant. It was a difficult conversation with my parents, who are as fiercely proud of India as I am.

Ultimately, I wanted to vote. I wanted to have a voice in shaping the country I had chosen to call home. My parents understood, though the decision came with bittersweet emotions for all of us.

The Power of Participation

Growing up in India, one of my earliest memories of civic pride is tied to voting. On Election Day, my parents would return from the polling booths with ink-marked left index fingers—a simple but powerful sign of participation.

The indelible ink prevented double voting, but for us, it symbolized so much more: pride, belonging, and the privilege of shaping the country’s future.

Years later, as an American citizen, I carried this sense of responsibility with me. Voting, to me, is one of the most profound ways to show up—not just for ourselves but for our communities, our democracy, and the values we hold dear.

September 11: A Defining Moment

I’ll never forget turning on the TV on September 11, 2001, and seeing the Twin Towers burn. It’s one of those moments frozen in time, etched into the collective memory of a generation.

For many of us, the shock, silence, and horror of that day are as vivid now as they were then. The events of 9/11 changed us all, individually and as a nation, in ways that continue to ripple through our lives.

That day also deepened my connection to America. As an immigrant, I had already chosen this country as my home, but the aftermath of 9/11 revealed its heart—its resilience, its generosity, and its capacity for unity in the face of unimaginable tragedy.

America: A Land of Outsiders

America isn’t perfect—which country is? But at its core, it’s a land built by outsiders. People from all walks of life have come here with hopes, dreams, and the determination to carve out a better future.

This truth resonates with me as an immigrant. I’ve lived in the United States longer than I lived in India, and both places are home to me in profound, indescribable ways.

Yet, like many immigrants, I’ve faced moments of exclusion. One day, while standing outside a coffee shop, a group of kids drove by and yelled at me to “go home.” They didn’t know I had been here for decades, but the remark stung.

What they didn’t understand is that America is as much my home as anyone else’s. It’s a country that allows for infinite reinvention, where you can hit Start or Restart as many times as your idealism and determination will allow.

Jim’s Labor and Our Shared Responsibility

As we honor the lives lost on 9/11 and reflect on the acts of service that continue to uphold their memory, Jim Maroon’s story reminds us of the quiet dignity in showing up, day after day, to do the work that matters.

Jim’s nightly labor isn’t just about keeping the 9/11 Memorial pools pristine—it’s about ensuring that the values we cherish remain alive. His care and commitment reflect the best of what it means to be part of a community.

And just as Jim shows up to honor those who came before, we have a responsibility to show up, too.

The Responsibility of Citizenship

Citizenship, in any country, comes with rights—but it also comes with responsibilities. One of the most powerful ways to fulfill those responsibilities is by voting.

Voting isn’t just about choosing leaders; it’s about participating in the collective process of shaping our future. It’s a reminder that we each have a role to play, no matter how small it may seem.

As we reflect on 9/11, let’s honor the resilience and service that emerged in the aftermath of that tragedy. Let’s also remember the power we hold as citizens of a democracy.

Never Forget

The phrase “Never Forget” is often associated with 9/11, but it’s more than just a call to remember the past. It’s an invitation to honor the values we stand for and to carry those values forward in our actions.

For me, this means embracing the dignity of every job, recognizing the contributions of every individual, and fulfilling my responsibilities as a citizen.

So, whether you were born here, naturalized like I was, or are still finding your place in this country, remember that your voice matters. Your actions matter.

Get out and vote—whatever your political beliefs. Participate in the process. Honor the legacy of those who came before us by building a future that reflects our shared values.

Moving Forward Together

As I think about Jim Maroon and his nightly work at the 9/11 Memorial pools, I’m reminded of the quiet power of showing up. His story, like so many others, is a testament to resilience, commitment, and the human spirit.

This is the America I believe in—a place where the dignity of labor matters, where differences are celebrated, and where everyone has the chance to contribute to something greater than themselves.

Let’s honor that spirit, not just on days of remembrance like 9/11, but every day. Let’s commit to the work of citizenship, community, and connection.

And above all, let’s never forget.