Laurel: To remembrance. Whether it was the small, local services such as that of Lower Burrell American Legion Post 868 or the larger events at the places where lives were lost, Southwestern Pennsylvania took a moment Wednesday in memory of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.

It was that time when we all recall where we were. We remember the pain and fear and confusion. We remember the crushing sorrow for thousands of deaths that happened in a heartbeat but were stretched over months and years of recovery and reconstruction.

It’s an event that echoes Memorial Day or Veterans Day. But this day is different because it doesn’t involve service members. It was a day when the attacked were regular people — and when so many of the first responders became a second wave of casualties.

It is a day we can never and must never forget.

Lance: To checking boxes. There is another side to the remembrance. This is the sixth presidential election year since the terrorist attacks. With the Flight 93 National Memorial just next door in Somerset County and Pennsylvania a plump electoral prize, it can feel like showing up collects a stamp on some kind of political passport.

Let’s be clear: This is a no-win situation for politicians on the ballot. Show up and you could be seen as fake and pandering. Don’t show up and you’re sure to be painted as dismissive and uncaring. But there is a way to be present quietly. That just seldom happens in an election year.

Former president and GOP nominee Donald Trump placed a wreath at the wall with Flight 93 passenger and crew names. He did so after President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris did the same with Gov. Josh Shapiro.

Separate participation in mirrored events makes the gesture feel more about the people in the picture than the people honored on the memorial.

Laurel: To an election tradition. OK, let’s get back to enjoying our spot in the electoral spotlight for a moment. Oakmont Bakery has brought back its annual voting-themed treat. Do you want to snack on a cookie iced with Trump’s face on a red background or Harris’ on blue?

This year has a third option. “The Sweetest Candidate” is a vanilla buttercream paczki with chocolate frosting and red, white and blue sprinkles.

It’s a fun addition to the lineup, but, with Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s antics this year, a gummy worm cupcake is a missed opportunity.

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