Not since 9/11 has our country witnessed the types of events that unfolded last week.

In the days following that fateful day full of frightful and tragic loss nearly 20 years ago, our country rose from its knees to regroup and rebuild our great nation.

Now, today, while it may feel like we again stand at the edge of a precipice — staring into a deep abyss fraught with mass confusion and chaos — we have a choice to make the same as we did in the days and weeks that followed Sept. 11, 2001.

We can choose to allow the novel coronavirus 2019 to control us, keep us indoors and stop us from living. Or we can make the adjustments necessary in our lives to respond to this crisis with understanding, forethought and common sense.

Community health systems are already enacting measures to ensure COVID-19 doesn’t spread. Grocery stores and shopping centers are changing hours in order to ensure their shelves are not only fully stocked with necessary items and food, but cleaned and sanitized regularly.

And at least one local school system is taking steps to make sure that kids across Butler County will have meals over the course of the next two weeks during the shutdown of schools in Pennsylvania.

Even before Gov. Tom Wolf closed schools Friday afternoon, Butler City Councilman Bob Dandoy made an online appeal concerning the possible need for some innovative ideas as to how to make certain all children had meals in the event schools were closed. Friends on both sides of the party line lined up behind him ready to pitch in and help.

This is exactly what America is all about.

It’s about a nation of individuals who come together as a community and do what’s necessary to once again stand strong and support each in a time of uncertainty and angst.

As a community, let’s not lose sight of the forest through the trees as we head into the coming days and weeks.

Our nation, our community leaders and our neighbors are all stepping up to the plate to ensure COVID-19 does not impact as many lives as it already has in other countries.

We understand people are fearful of the days and weeks ahead. We also understand municipalities across this great country are well-acquainted with persevering in the midst of seemingly daunting circumstances.

More importantly, community members are willing to jump in with both feet — hearts in hand — to help out their neighbors.

We are already seeing that happen on the local level in the way families throughout Moniteau Area School District took to social media Friday to offer help covering childcare needs for working parents.

We’re also seeing it happen in towns in communities across the U.S., just like we did all those years ago whenanother threat instilled fear and horror into our hearts.

We are a nation whose people work best when united, not divided. A nation that pulls together and helps one another in a time of need.