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It’s hard to believe it’s been 12 years. And although it’s been over a decade since the New York City skyline was forever changed, the memories are still fresh in our minds, whether you’re a New Yorker or not.

For those of us who are New Yorkers, we all know too many people who were closely affected by this tragedy and it’s this fact that makes our gigantic city of over 8 million people quickly seem like a small town. It may not be for the best of reasons, but it was that one day that connected the people of this city, made us all a family and proved that no matter how the rest of the world views us, we can make it through anything.

Over the past 12 years, we’ve seen countless images of the Twin Towers burning, heard too many stories about that day and finally came to the realization that no matter what, New York City might never be the same.

But, it’s important to reflect on the progress we’ve made as a city, and a country. So for this city that I love so much, here are 33 images of sadness, hope and progress as they relate to 9/11/01.

A man watches smoke fill up Lower Manhattan on September 12, 2001 in Hoboken, N.J. 

A firefighter breaks down after the towers collapsed on September 11, 2001.

Dust filled the air moments after Tower One of the World Trade Center collapsed September 11, 2001.

A police officer helps as people evacuate the area around the World Trade Center.

New York City firefighters take a break from rescue operations at the World Trade Center.

Policemen and firemen run away from the huge dust cloud caused as the World Trade Center’s Tower One collapsed.

New York City firefighters hug each other during rescue operations at the World Trade Center.

A New York City police officer & firefighter talk on pay phones at the World Trade Center during rescue efforts.

President George W. Bush speaks to Vice President Dick Cheney by phone aboard Air Force One on September 11, 2001.

Mark Platt looks at a message that reads’ “L.A. (loves) N.Y.C.” on a wall of memorabilia mounted on a fire department truck trailer on September 11, 2002 in Los Angeles.

A Sikh man wears an American flag in his turban during an interfaith remembrance service at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels on September 11, 2002 in Los Angeles.

A man reflects as he sits in front of a model of the World Trade Center at dawn on September 11, 2003.

A floral tribute is seen laying on the Eisenhower monument outside the American Embassy on September 11, 2003 in London.

Australia remembers victims of September 11.

A makeshift September 11 memorial in front of the New York, New York hotel in Las Vegas on September 11, 2011.

A general view of the stadium during a September 11 tribute before a Dallas Cowboys/Minnesota Vikings on September 12, 2004 at the Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome in Minneapolis.

A man crosses his arms as a tattoo tribute to family victims is seen on his arm on September 11, 2005 in New York City.

Fans remember the victims of September 11 during the Minnesota Vikings/San Diego Chargers game at Qualcomm Stadium on September 11, 2011.

Fans wave flags and hold signs in tribute to 9/11 before a game between the Minnesota Vikings and the Washington Washington Football Team during the first Monday Night Football of the 2006 football season.

A list of victims’ names are displayed at the opening of the Tribute Center across the street from Ground Zero on September 6, 2006 in New York City.

A man holds his head during a memorial ceremony for family members of victims of September 11 at Ground Zero on September 11, 2004.

Australia remembers victims of September 11.

Firefighters watch the sun set into the Pacific Ocean on September 11, 2002.

Firemen pay their respects at the 9/11 memorial during ceremonies at the World Trade Center on September 11, 2012.

Pictures of loved ones killed in the September 11 terrorist attacks that were made by family members displayed at a preview of the National September 11 Memorial Museum’s memorial exhibition on September 10, 2012 in New York City.

Scott Willens, who joined the United States Army three days after the terrorist attacks on 9/11, pauses while reflecting by the South Pool on friends he has lost while on deployment during anniversary ceremonies at the site of the World Trade Center on September 11, 2012.

The U.S. Reacts To Death Of Osama Bin Laden on May 3, 2011.

The U.S. Reacts To Death Of Osama Bin Laden on May 3, 2011.

New York City’s “Tribute In Light” to the victims of the 9/11 attacks shines from One World Trade into the sky over Manhattan on September 10, 2012.

A view of the Manhattan skyline showing the September 11th Twin Tower light tribute prior to the women’s final during the US Open September 11, 2004 in Queens.

Two Bogota, New Jersey firemen wave American flags atop their firetruck as the blue tribute in lights shine above them on September 11, 2004 in New York City.

Family members of Ji Yao Justin Zhao pay their respect to him at the South Pool of the 9/11 Memorial during ceremonies on September 11, 2013.

And if you had any doubts…

Photo Credit: Getty Images