I can't forget, either. I was there.
I was in my office on Greenwich St. in TriBeCa when the planes hit. Still, somewhat "in denial," I called a fellow employee (and internal client) of mine working at 7 WTC (where we had rented space). To my surprise, he answered! All the alarms going off in the background were horrific. He stayed on he phone for about 20 seconds and then had to go. Thankfully, he got out, as did everyone we had at 7WTC. Only 4 of our employees were casualties (4 people making sales calls in 1 & 2 WTC).
Everyone evacuated my building and were just milling around on the ground, trying to account for co-workers, etc. We then heard this collective SCREAM from across the street. We all stepped into Greenwich St. just in time to witness the South Tower collapse right in front of us. Shortly thereafter, all those below a certain rank (which I was) were told to leave the area and head North. I found refuge at a cousin's apt. in Chelsea, and for the night in her parents' apartment nearby. This, because mass transit was completely shut down. I got home OK the next morning. We were not allowed back into TriBeCa for 3 weeks and, when we were allowed back, we had to show ID and proof of employment to LE that was maintaining a perimeter on Canal St. for another 3-4 weeks thereafter. The smell lingered on for months (i.e. burnt electrical wires and asbestos). Horrific.
For me, it's not a question of "forgiveness." It's about holding people "accountable" for their actions, and "never forgetting.." i.e. never letting one's guard down against those that might do the same to us. Sure, I can forgive, but one still must accept the consequences of their actions. I could forgive a BG that murders a family member of mine, but I will ensure they still "ride the needle." And we must always be "on guard" to prevent any future attacks. I think, sometimes, people grow complacent after a long time has passed since the last "incident." Never grow complacent. Always stay "on guard."
Never forget.