09/11/2025
Today, Patriot Day and National Day of Service and Remembrance, is the 24th anniversary of the terrorist attacks that took place on September 11, 2001. Nearly 3,000 innocent people were killed that day; more have died since from toxic exposure and related cancers, including thousands of first responders.
Today, our hearts and thoughts are with the loved ones of those whose lives were lost in New York City, Washington, D.C. that day, and Pennsylvania, and those who has passed in the years since as a result of toxic exposure.
We know that many VFW Auxiliaries across the country are honoring those lost and recognizing the day's heroes today and throughout the week during remembrance ceremonies, via donations made to organizations that help survivors and by showing appreciation to their local first responders, in addition to supporting our military and veterans, as is our mission. In addition, we encourage you to share the titles in our Patriotism Through Literacy Youth Activities initiative book list that help today's children understand what happened on September 11, 2001.
Thank you for your Unwavering Support for Uncommon Heroes as you continue your tireless work in your communities and beyond on this difficult day.
Pictured:
2025-2026 VFW Auxiliary National President Lois Callahan of Arkansas, then-Chaplain, gave the prayer during the Celebrating America's Freedom Event held on September 10, 2022, at the site of the crash of Flight 93. During this reverent ceremony, then-National President Jane Reape of New York (center, behind Callahan) gave a speech in which she recognized each of the passengers and flight crew by name, remembering them for the people they were before terrorists took their lives.
In the words of Sandy Dahl, wife of Flight 93 Captain Jason Dahl, “If we learn nothing else from this tragedy, we learn that life is short and there is no time for hate."
