9/11 – just say the two numbers and images of the Twin Towers emerge. Emotions run the gamut from the myriad memories of that day nearly 10 years ago.

Emotional scars linger. Sadness resonates. Fear is still real.

The world did change that day. Clearly, it changed for the thousands of families who lost loved ones. It changed for everyone who helped save the even greater number of people whose lives were not lost that day. It changed people on each coast of the United States and for those throughout the world.

It’s easy to argue the choices government officials made before and after the attacks. Hindsight being 20-20, perhaps other decisions may have been made.

South Lake Tahoe has lost two men fighting in the Iraq conflict. Phillip Brandon Williams, 21, who lived in Gardnerville and South Lake Tahoe, was killed by sniper fire in Iraq in 2006. Timothy M. Smith, 25, of South Lake Tahoe died in April 2008 in Baghdad of wounds sustained after his vehicle encountered an improvised explosive device.

Lake Tahoe News is taking the next 11 days to tell the stories of Lake Tahoe area residents and their connection to 9/11. Some of the articles are bound to trigger tears, some will open wounds once thought healed, others may make you see the event from an entirely different perspective.

We know this event brings out emotions. We hope as you consider making a comment on the various stories, you do so with respect. Next week’s question of the week will be about 9/11, giving everyone an opportunity to weigh-in. And if you have a story to share, please email it to info@LakeTahoeNews.net.

On Sept. 12 we will report on the event that is going at take place at Lake Tahoe Community College the day before. Also that day is the annual observance of Patriots Day at the American Legion in South Lake Tahoe at 11am.

Lake Tahoe News would like to thank everyone for sharing the stories that will unfold in the coming days.