“Never forget” has become the refrain of 9/11.

As it should be.

We must never forget, nor is it likely we — as a nation — ever shall.

We should also try to remember Sept. 11.

Remember when we were united states?

On Sept. 11, and for a significant period afterward, partisan politics was set aside, families and friends hugged each just a little tighter and congeniality reigned as Americans supported one another in solidarity.

The terrorist attacks in New York, Virginia and Pennsylvania tightly united us across political, social and economic lines.

Now, a decade later, it’s difficult to remember that sense of common purpose as Congress seem determined to split itself apart along partisan lines, hindering this nation’s economy and all that entails.

It’s more than that, though.

Our society was purposefully polite in the aftershock of Sept. 11. People were more understanding. Drivers were more patient. Strangers were friendlier, greeting each other with smiles on urban sidewalks and waves on rural roads.

Politicians pledged to work together, and, it seemed for a time that even criminals were taking a break.

Now, a decade later, whatever cushion of unity we felt post-Sept. 11 is gone from our politics and our parlors.

That’s sad.

What better way to honor the people who suffered and died on Sept. 11, and all those who have suffered and died in the ensuing war on terror, than to strive toward unity?

To recommit and hold fast to that sense of national pride and purpose?

Patrick Henry, founding father and patriotic Virginian, recognized the power of unity and, before his death in 1799, begged Americans to stand together: “United we stand, divided we fall. Let us not split into factions which must destroy that union upon which our existence hangs.”

His plea that we stand united has been passionately repeated by thousands of Americans through the years, as this nation surged to become a world superpower.

This country’s strength is in our collective energy and independence, not in divisiveness.

There have certainly been pivotal moments in history when the nation was divided, but then eventually prevailed for the greater good, including the Civil War and the abolishment of slavery, the suffrage movement and the resulting constitutional right of women to vote and seek elected office, and the Civil Rights Movement and resulting Civil Rights Act of 1964 outlawing discrimination by race and gender.

But, for the most part, our united strength has been our national accomplishment.

Wouldn’t it be nice if we could become united once again without the spark of terror pushing us?

Don’t we owe that to 9/11?

Don’t we owe that to ourselves?

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The opinions expressed in this column reflect the views of the ownership and editorial board.