Perspective is a very valuable thing. It, along with context, are two of the tools writers use to help paint the complete picture for readers; it helps tell a more in-depth picture.

For years, I have struggled to write a column on Sept. 11. All I had to fall back on was my experience from that day in 2001.

The columns were centered around the attempts to cover the horrific, international event, from the perspective of a man — me — who was reporting news in Clanton, Alabama; hundreds of miles apart.

All of that changed — my perspective changed — in March, when my wife and I had the luxury of traveling to New York City on vacation.

For a week, we walked around, visiting site after site, attending a Broadway show, visiting museums and eating some of the greatest meals of our life.

But, of all the places we visited, of all the great art and historical artifacts we viewed, nothing had more of an impact on us, than the 9/11 Memorial.

I remember vividly watching the scenes of Sept. 11, 2001 on television. I remember seeing the flames bellow from the Twin Towers, but never did I have the perspective of actually being there, seeing the scope of those buildings or fully appreciate the impact that event had on those who live in New York.

Visiting the 9/11 Memorial was a must for our trip. We skipped many of the sites some had suggested, in order to make time to get to the Memorial.

Once there, I remember almost losing my breath at the size of the park, the footprints the buildings once had and the depth of the fountains that now make up the memorial.

Stephanie and I were heartbroken at the flowers left on top of the names of those victims who would have celebrated a birthday on the day we visited.

But above all, the museum is where the horror and tragedy of 9/11 finally hit home.

As you walked through the space, you were within inches of items that were recovered from Ground Zero and you could almost still smell the smoke. There was a fork from one of the restaurants in the Twin Towers that was twisted and contoured by the heat. It was displayed right next to a small stuffed bear that was sold in one of the gift shops. The bear did not appear to have any damage at all.

Also on display was a steel beam that had once been part of the backbone of the majestic twin towers.

This massive piece of metal, now displayed in the museum, was bent and twisted from the heat and force of the fires.

For those who remember 9/11, it is a tragedy that we will never forget. It is a day, that for our generation, is a day that will live in infamy.

But, now, having visited New York, the story, the tragedy, means far more than it ever did.