Yesterday, the United States of America marked yet another anniversary of the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001.

After 18 years, this one seemed to hold special significance, not only because it was the day on which the people born that fateful day became adults but also because the ongoing and ever-evolving effects of the attacks on American society are becoming more widely known.

One such issue that is gaining more coverage is the horrific toll taken on the bodies of first responders by the chemicals they encountered at the scene. Hundreds have already died from cancers and other illnesses connected to the exposure, and thousands are currently suffering.

Experts fear that the deaths from these illnesses will eventually outpace the number of casualties from the attacks themselves. It’s an added atrocity that, unlike the attacks themselves, is playing out slowly and mostly in private. Every day, another first responder and their family are reliving the attacks all over again — every time they get news of a diagnosis, a failed treatment, an unanticipated complication, a death.

In the face of such tragedy, how can we as Americans continue to commemorate the events of Sept. 11, 2001? What’s appropriate? What’s even enough?

Suffolk Christian Church found a way this week, hosting a cookout lunch for first responders on its lawn. Firefighters, police officers and sheriff’s deputies came in droves to eat, fellowship and remember along with church members.

“We’re very proud of all of our first responders, and it’s a real privilege for us to be able to honor and serve them with this cookout,” Pastor Michael D. Halley said during the event.

We think honoring local first responders where you are — regardless if you’re in New York, or near the Pentagon, or near Shanksville, Pa., or in Suffolk or anywhere else — is a great way to mark the anniversary. First responders all over the United States deserve our recognition, on this day and every day.