September 11: A Day We Must Never Forget

September 11, 2001, began like an ordinary Tuesday morning. Within hours, it became one of the darkest and most painful days in American history.

That morning, 19 terrorists from the Islamic extremist organization al-Qaeda hijacked four passenger airplanes. Under the direction of Osama bin Laden, al-Qaeda targeted the United States because of their violent extremist ideology and deep hostility toward America, its people, and its presence (and policies) in the Middle East.

Two planes were flown into the World Trade Center towers in New York City. A third struck the Pentagon in Arlington, Virginia. The passengers and crew aboard Flight 93 courageously fought back, preventing the hijackers from reaching another target. The plane crashed in a field near Shanksville, Pennsylvania.

Nearly 3,000 innocent people were murdered that day. They were parents, children, spouses, friends, coworkers, first responders, and everyday people simply going about their lives.

Amid the unimaginable tragedy, we also witnessed extraordinary courage. Firefighters, police officers, paramedics, military personnel, and ordinary citizens rushed toward danger to help others. Many made the ultimate sacrifice. Countless others continued searching, rescuing, comforting, and caring for those affected in the days and months that followed.

September 11 also reminds us of a time when Americans came together. Differences were put aside, neighbors supported one another, flags were displayed proudly, and communities gathered to pray. In the face of tremendous loss, the American spirit remained strong.

More than two decades later, the pain of that day is still deeply felt—especially by the families who lost loved ones and by the survivors and first responders who continue to live with its lasting effects.

Today, we pause to remember every innocent life that was taken. We honor the bravery of those who responded, the sacrifice of those who never returned home, and the strength of the families who carried on without their loved ones.

May we never forget what happened.

May we never forget who committed these attacks.

May we never forget those we lost.

May we never forget the courage, sacrifice, and unity that followed.

We remember September 11, 2001. Always.