September 11th changed the world.

But it didn’t change everything.

The feeling of mutual purpose, expressions of love and solidarity, and outpouring of compassion expressed for all of those affected on 9/11 were not limited to relatives of the victims or even limited to Americans. They were the natural response of people around the world who recognized their shared humanity and were moved to make common cause in the face of brutal violence.

As the tenth anniversary approaches, it’s time to revisit the true post-9/11 world—the hours and days immediately after the attacks—when candlelight vigils took place from Tehran to Tokyo, from South Africa to Northern Ireland. How could we have responded differently? What could 9/11 families, and citizens around the world, have taught us about their experiences of terrorism, political violence and war? What choices could we have made, and what choices can we make today, to create peaceful tomorrows for everyone?

In the coming year, 911 Stories: Our Voices, Our Choices, will answer these questions, one story at a time.