Tomorrow marks 25 years since a beautiful September morning became one of the darkest days in American history.
On September 11, 2001, nearly 3,000 people lost their lives in terrorist attacks in New York City, at the Pentagon, and aboard Flight 93 in Pennsylvania. In a matter of hours, families were changed forever, communities were shaken, and a nation was forced to confront unimaginable tragedy.
Yet amid the destruction came extraordinary courage.
Firefighters, police officers, paramedics and ordinary citizens rushed toward danger to help people they had never met. Passengers aboard Flight 93 fought back, sacrificing themselves and preventing an even greater tragedy. Across the country, Americans donated blood, displayed flags, gathered in churches and stood beside neighbors who needed comfort.
Now, on the 25th anniversary of 9/11, an entire generation has grown up knowing that day only through photographs, videos, classrooms and stories told by those who lived through it. That makes remembering more important than ever.
For those who remember September 11, the images remain difficult to forget. But alongside the images of smoke and destruction are memories of bravery, compassion, sacrifice and unity.
Twenty-five years later, we pause once again.
We remember those who left home that morning and never returned.
We remember the first responders who ran toward danger while others were running away.
We remember the families who have carried their loss for a quarter of a century.
We honor the survivors and all those whose lives were forever changed.
And we remember how, during one of America’s darkest moments, countless people reached out to help one another.
September 11, 2001 — 25 years later, we remember. We honor. We will never forget.
