09/11/2026
September 11, 2001, changed the course of history in a single morning. On that sunny Tuesday, 2,977 innocent lives were tragically taken in New York City, at the Pentagon, and in a field near Shanksville, Pennsylvania. The shocking violence of that day shattered our sense of security, leaving families fractured, communities broken, and a nation in deep mourning.
Yet, amid the ash, horror, and immense pain, America witnessed moments of extraordinary courage. First responders ran toward danger when instinct told everyone else to flee. Everyday people became heroes in stairwells and high-rise hallways, helping total strangers find safety at the cost of their own lives. We saw the very best of humanity emerge during one of our darkest hours.
In the days, months, and years that followed, that spirit of courage evolved into a profound sense of duty. Tens of thousands of young men and women stepped forward to answer the call, joining the United States Armed Forces to protect our freedoms and serve their country. They marched into unknown, hostile environments, fully aware of the sacrifices required. Many returned with physical and invisible wounds, and far too many gave the ultimate sacrifice.
Today, we owe an eternal debt of gratitude to:
The Innocent Victims: The thousands of men, women, and children who lost their lives on September 11th. We honor their memories and stand with the families who carry the weight of their loss every single day.
The First Responders: The firefighters, police officers, paramedics, and volunteers who sacrificed everything to save others in the immediate aftermath, as well as those who suffered long-term illnesses from their work at Ground Zero.
Our Service Members and Veterans: The brave men and women of the military who put on the uniform post-9/11 to defend our nation, preserve our security, and uphold the values of liberty and democracy across the globe.
We must ensure that "Never Forget" is more than just a phrase. We honor their sacrifice by remembering their names, telling their stories, and living with the unity, resilience, and compassion that defined us in the days after the tragedy. May we forever remain grateful to those who gave everything to protect us.
