September 11, 2001–2026: 25 Years Later, We Remember
This September 11 marks 25 years since the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001—a day that forever changed our country and the lives of millions of Americans.
Nearly 3,000 people lost their lives that morning in New York City, at the Pentagon, and aboard United Airlines Flight 93 in Pennsylvania. Thousands more were injured, and countless families, friends, coworkers, first responders, and communities were forever affected.
For those of us who remember that day, it is difficult to believe that 25 years have passed. Many of us can still recall exactly where we were when we first heard the news and watched the events unfold.
But September 11 is also remembered for what happened afterward.
We witnessed extraordinary courage from firefighters, police officers, emergency personnel, members of our military, and ordinary citizens. We saw strangers helping strangers. Communities came together. Americans donated blood, volunteered, displayed flags, attended vigils, and reached out to neighbors.
For a time, the things that divided us seemed much less important than the things we shared.
Twenty-five years later, an entire generation of Americans has grown up with no personal memory of September 11, 2001. That makes it even more important that we continue to tell the story—not only of the terrible events of that day, but also of the courage, sacrifice, compassion, and unity that followed.
On this 25th anniversary, I hope we will take a few moments to remember the people who went to work, boarded airplanes, reported for duty, or simply began an ordinary Tuesday morning and never returned home.
We remember the first responders who ran toward danger while others were running away.
We remember those who served our country in the years that followed.
And we remember the families who have carried the loss of loved ones for the past 25 years.
September 11 reminds us how quickly an ordinary day can change and how valuable our time with family, friends, neighbors, and community truly is.
Twenty-five years later, we remember. We honor. And we will never forget.
— Joe
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