For Americans, Sept. 11, 2001, was a day of horror with few silver linings.

One positive outcome, albeit fleeting, was the collective faith, resilience, strength and love that transcended partisan politics and other barriers that too often divide us as Americans.

In the months following 9/11, we weren’t Republicans or Democrats. We were Americans.

We weren’t white Americans or African-Americans. We were simply Americans.

Even Christians and peace-minded Muslims found common ground during that trying time.

Sadly, in just over a decade, the post-9/11 unity has given way to poisonous politics, especially in Washington, where legitimate debates over policy have become intensely personal.

As we pause this weekend to reflect on 9/11 and mourn its many victims, let us recommit to the nonpartisan principles that built our great country — faith, charity, patriotism and respect for dissenting viewpoints.

We have big problems to tackle in America. Disagreement about the way to fix them is natural, even healthy. Personally attacking those we disagree with has no place in the process.