Today our nation pauses to reflect on the 10th anniversary of the terror attacks on Sept. 11, 2001.

On that day, a small gang of terrorists caught our nation off-guard and created a spectacle of death and destruction, intended on breaking our nation’s will.

The attacks, however, had just the opposite effect on our country. Our mourning led to a collective determination not to allow the terrorists to control us. Instead we came together as a country, rallying together as Americans.

We saw that all across the country, including here in the Natchez area where citizens joined together for community prayer events.

It’s through our faith that Americans found, if not an understanding of the terror attacks, at least the belief that evil cannot be allowed to black out the goodness of the world.

Tonight our community will pay tribute to those who were killed during the 9/11 attacks as well as the military personnel who gave the ultimate sacrifice in the war on terror.

The Miss-Lou Celebrates America — A Patriotic Concert begins at 6 p.m. today at the Vidalia Amphitheater on the riverfront.

Natchez Festival of Music volunteers organized the event, which looks to be a great time and a fitting celebration of some of the greatest things our country offers — the freedom to do as we please and enjoy family and friends.

We encourage everyone to take time out tonight and come to the event.