September 11, 2001 — A Day We Will Never Forget

Today, we pause to remember September 11, 2001—a day that changed our nation and touched countless lives around the world.

Twenty-five years later, the memories remain. We remember the innocent lives taken, the families who lost loved ones, and the communities forever changed by the events of that morning.

We remember the victims—mothers and fathers, sons and daughters, brothers and sisters, friends, coworkers, and neighbors. Each person had a story, a family, dreams, plans, and people who loved them. They were more than a number. They were people who mattered.

We also remember the heroes.

We remember the firefighters, police officers, emergency medical personnel, military members, and other first responders who ran toward danger while others were trying to escape it. Many never made it home.

We remember the passengers and crew members who showed extraordinary courage in the face of unimaginable circumstances.

We remember ordinary people who became heroes—helping strangers, guiding others to safety, opening their homes, giving blood, volunteering, and offering compassion when our country needed it most.

### We Remember the Families

Behind every name was a family left behind.

Parents waited for children who would never return. Children grew up without mothers or fathers. Husbands and wives lost their partners. Friends lost people they expected to grow old with.

Their grief did not end when the news coverage stopped. For many families, September 11 remains a deeply personal day of remembrance.

Today, we honor their continued strength.

### We Remember the Unity

In the days and weeks following September 11, Americans witnessed something powerful: people came together.

Differences were put aside. Communities helped one another. Strangers became neighbors. Flags appeared everywhere. People volunteered, donated, prayed, comforted one another, and looked for ways to help.

That spirit of compassion is something worth remembering.

### Never Forget

"Never Forget" is more than remembering a date.

It means remembering the people.

It means remembering the sacrifices.

It means remembering the courage.

It means remembering the families.

It means remembering the kindness shown by ordinary people during an extraordinary moment.

As another September 11 passes, let us take a moment to reflect on the lives lost and the lives forever changed.

May we continue to honor those we lost by choosing compassion over hatred, courage over fear, and community over division.

**We remember the victims.

We honor the heroes.

We stand with the families.

We remember September 11.**

Never Forget.