Remembering September 11, 2001: Honoring the Lives Lost and the Resilience of a Nation

Today marks the anniversary of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks — a day etched into the memory of our nation and the world. On that morning, nearly 3,000 innocent lives were lost in New York City, Washington D.C., and Shanksville, Pennsylvania. Thousands more were forever changed, from the families who mourn their loved ones to the first responders who bravely rushed into danger.

In New York, the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center became the focal point of both tragedy and heroism. Firefighters, police officers, EMTs, and countless civilians risked and sacrificed their lives to save others. At the Pentagon, military and civilian personnel faced unimaginable devastation, while in a Pennsylvania field, passengers on Flight 93 demonstrated extraordinary courage, preventing further loss of life.

Each year, communities across the country pause to reflect, mourn, and honor those we lost. Memorial services, moments of silence, and the reading of names remind us not only of the pain of that day but also of the unity that followed. Neighbors helped neighbors, strangers became family, and the spirit of resilience defined what it means to be American.

As we look back, we also look forward — ensuring that future generations understand the lessons of 9/11. We remember the bravery, the heartbreak, and the determination to rise again. Most importantly, we recommit ourselves to never forgetting the lives cut short and to honoring them by building a future defined by compassion, strength, and unity.

Today, we stand together in remembrance.

Today, we stand together in remembrance.