We Will Always Remember

Today we observe our nineteenth "Patriot Day” in the United States, set aside as an unbreakable promise to never forget the lives of Americans taken from us on September 11.  Across the country, in a National Day of Service and Remembrance, numerous events will solemnly recall the devastating loss and the destruction designed to shred the very fabric of this great nation.  We fulfill our promise by honoring those who perished with tolling bells, celebrating those who bravely responded where terror struck, lifting up those who still suffer today as a result of the attacks, and encouraging those still fighting to protect freedom, both here and abroad. At 8:46, we will pause in silence near that moment in time the first plane struck the North Tower.

Nineteen years ago today, 19 militants tied to the Islamic extremist group al-Qaeda killed nearly 3,000 people (including more than 400 police officers and firefighters) and wounded more than 10,000 others during three coordinated attacks on 9/11, masterminded by Osama bin Laden. It was the deadliest attack on the US in history and the most devastating act of war on American soil since the attack on Pearl Harbor. 

Many of us witnessed this, either on scene or as it aired on live TV. With shock and disbelief, we watched valiant first responders rush with conviction and courage into the void in attempt to rescue those trapped in the towers. We heard of the tremendous bravery of those aboard Flight 93, who summoned the courage to counterattack the terrorists and save untold numbers of American lives. The images of crumbling icons, burning bastions of might, the brave dashing to save, the distraught fleeing and the efforts to rescue, then rebuild and memorialize will forever be emblazoned in our minds. The smoke that rose from the Twin Towers, the Pentagon, and the Pennsylvania field in Shanksville carried away the souls of innocent Americans; yet, as the day closed, we steadied our resolve to hold accountable those who launched this unprovoked attack and to ensure it would never happen again. 

I left the city a few days before, responded in every way I could when asked for help or if I and my family were OK, and returned to see the skyline I loved forever changed, along with the way we watch the sky. While this nation has suffered and many still endure long-lasting emotional or physical scars of that day and its aftermath, survivors and family members of those taken from us share stories of bravery and triumph we can celebrate. The courage, heroism, and resilience demonstrated on 9/11, and in its aftermath, are perpetual testaments to the spirit of America. 

The essence of American grit on display that day also serve as an incredible reminder that our citizens have never failed to rise to the occasion. Heroes sprang into action in the face of great peril to help save others, laying down their own lives. As we reflect on the events of that September morning, let us recommit to embrace the stalwart bravery displayed and reaffirm our dedication to defending liberty from all who wish to deny it.

On that fateful day, September 11, 2001, President George W. Bush addressed the nation with this formal statement: “Terrorist attacks can shake the foundations of our biggest buildings, but they cannot touch the foundation of America. These acts shatter steel, but they cannot dent the steel of American resolve.”  Let us all, each one, resolve to remember and honor those we lost, those who rushed to rescue, and those who still serve today to protect freedom and project strength around the globe. 

As we recall the images of our American Flag raised from the ashes of Ground Zero and the Pentagon, may we be reminded that good triumphs over evil. Let us devote ourselves to fortifying our cherished American values so that future generations will know the United States is the land of the free and the home of the brave. Let us honor our promise to never forget by telling the stories of triumph to our children and grandchildren while we reflect. Let us all be strengthened by the memories of how we have rebuilt and continue, together, to grow stronger each day.

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