On Sept. 11, 2001, the world watched two skyscrapers plummet to the earth as a result of the worst terrorist attack on American soil.

At that same time, I was watching “Blue’s Clues.”

Most remember where they were 25 years ago. I do not. The reality is, many Americans do not share the lived memory of watching the events of Sept. 11 unfold before their eyes.

A war was started. A country shattered. And much of its current population only remembers life after TSA and the Department of Homeland Security.

As of today, only 14 states require curriculum about Sept. 11 to be taught in schools. Pennsylvania is not one of them. This means that, despite the Flight 93 National Memorial being a short distance away, many students don’t understand its significance.

This means the next generation must rely on you to commemorate the fallen 2,976 people lost on 9/11. Your lived memory must become the responsibility of the next generation, which only happens if you remember.

Most people don’t want to remember. The images are deemed too painful, too jarring, to revisit. But only in discomfort can we continue improving our nation.

It is for all these reasons I chose to direct “The Guys” at Butler Little Theatre, a true story about a fire captain recounting the lives he lost responding to the World Trade Center.

It is also why we are asking attendees to donate to our boot drive for local fire companies. We never know when our worst day will be, and first responders will always be there for us, running toward certain danger.

Heroes are ordinary people in extraordinary situations. Honor them, and never forget.

See the legendary musical “Man of La Mancha” at The Strand Theater, 119 N. Main St., Zelienople, at 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday, or 2 p.m. Sunday. Shows continue next week. Tickets range from $30 to $40 when you visit thestrandtheater.ludus.com/index.php.

Commemorate the 25th anniversary of Sept. 11, 2001, by watching the heartfelt true story “The Guys” at Butler Little Theatre. The play follows a New York City fire captain and a writer who come together to create eulogies for firefighters lost at the World Trade Center. Attendees will have the opportunity to donate to local fire companies during the boot drive as well. Curtain rises at 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 2:30 p.m. Sunday, and next week. Purchase your $18 ticket at butlerlittletheatre.com.

Cranberry Township Community Waterpark is hosting a Puppy Plunge from 9 to 10:30 a.m. Saturday, at 450 North Boundary Park Drive. Resident pups swim for $10, nonresidents for $15. Register and find more information at cranberrytownship.org.

Embark on the Pioneer Pursuit, a scenic, family-friendly 5K or 1-mile fun run on Butler County Community College campus. The fun starts at 9 a.m. and includes an opportunity for children 14 and under to participate in a 100-meter dash! Register for $35 at runsignup.com/Race/PA/Butler/PioneerPursuit.

Saxonburg Artisan Market boasts over 120 vendors, carriage rides, food and fun! Join your community on the borough’s Main Street at 10 a.m. Saturday and 11 a.m. Sunday for this stellar event. For more information, visit experiencebutler.com.

Slippery Rock VillageFest is a full block of fun, food and family-friendly activity from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday on the borough’s main drag. There will be over 130 vendors there! Visit the event Facebook page for more.

Explore the one room schoolhouses of Butler County on this self-guided driving tour from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, all for free. Volunteers will be on site at seven different sites to provide information about the building’s history. Get a star on your "report card" at four or more schools and earn a chance to win a raffle basket. For a full list of sites and activities, visit butlerhistory.com/schoolhouse.

Join the Butler Chapter of the North Country Trail on a Saturday hike through the Parker Section, often cited as the most beautiful section. Meet at the Holy Sundae Ice Cream Parlor at 10 a.m. You will be shuttled to Eldorado Road, hike toward Parker with a stop at Bob’s Place for a slice. This is a moderate 4.5-mile hike with lots of elevation. Bring water and wear sturdy hiking shoes. Email but@northcountrytrail.org to RSVP.

Come out and see a Bessemer engine pump some Pennsylvania crude at the Muddy Creek Oil Well Living History Demonstration. The well will operate from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday at 195 Park Road in Moraine State Park. Visit events.dcnr.pa.gov for details.

Rev those engines at Adams Township’s Car Cruise between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. Saturday in the community park, 690 Valencia Road. Proceeds from this event will Mars High School Rocket Fuel Café. A $5 donation will be requested of anyone wishing to display their car. Visit adamstwp.org for details.

Penn Township Community Day is a free event full of food trucks, live entertainment, pony rides, dunk tanks and more. The fun lasts from noon to 4 p.m. Saturday in Harcrest Park, 105 Township Lane. Visit penntownship.org for more.

The Quality Life Services car cruise in Chicora starts at 4 p.m. Saturday and ends with fireworks. Pull up to 160 Medical Center Road for access to the cruise, children’s activities, food, live music and more. Visit the event Facebook page for more.

Herman Volunteer Fire Company is hosting a community day at 4 p.m. Saturday at the firehall, 789 Herman Road in Summit Township. This free event will feature food, woodcarving demonstrations, rescue vehicles, children’s activities and a Hawaiian dance show. Visit the event Facebook page for details.

The Boots and Grace Music festival is your chance to hear two days’ worth of local musicians like Karen Waldrup sing country, gospel and blues in First Responders Park, 155 Pittsburg St. in Saxonburg. Cost is $30 for Saturday/Sunday admission and $20 for a single day. Doors open at 5 p.m. Saturday and 4 p.m. Sunday. Visit Saxonburg Volunteer Fire Company’s website for details.

The Polka Party is a night of fun for all. Dance to live music from 6 to 10 p.m. Saturday at Highfield Community Center, 229 Highfield Road in Butler Township, for only $10 admission. Kielbasa, sauerkraut, haluski, pierogies and soft drinks will be available for purchase. Doors open at 5 p.m.

BCARA Swapfest is an event for radio, computer and electronic enthusiasts. Swap equipment and knowledge from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sunday at East Butler Fire Department, 808 Grant Street. Visit experiencebutler.com for details.

Dave Wickerham is hosting an organ concert at Blackwood Estate, 118 Blackwood Lane, Harrisville, at 2 p.m. Sunday. The show will include ragtime, bigband, showtunes and more. For tickets, visit blackwoodarts.org/events-1.

If you are interested in your event being featured in Miller Minutes, please email information to news@butlereagle.com.

Molly Miller is an Eagle correspondent.