09/11/2026
AS WE REMEMBER
September 11, 2001
You remember the moment you heard.
You remember where you were standing.
You remember who you were with.
You remember the exact thing you were doing.
For so many of us, those memories have never faded.
Twenty-five years ago, our nation experienced a horrific day that changed our country and our world forever.
We remember the thousands of innocent lives that were taken that day. We remember the mothers, fathers, sons, daughters, husbands, wives, friends, and loved ones who never made it home.
And we remember the heroes.
We remember the firefighters, police officers, paramedics, emergency workers, military personnel, and ordinary citizens who ran toward danger while others were running away.
They answered the call without knowing what they would face. Many made the ultimate sacrifice, giving their lives in an effort to save others.
They were someone's loved one.
They were someone's friend.
They were someone's hero.
Thousands of families were changed forever that day. Empty chairs were left at dinner tables. Phone calls were never answered. Hugs and goodbyes that morning became memories that families would carry for the rest of their lives.
Our country stopped.
The world watched.
We waited, prayed, hoped, and searched for answers as the events unfolded before our eyes.
And then something powerful happened.
In the midst of unimaginable tragedy, people came together.
Neighbors helped neighbors. Strangers helped strangers. Communities opened their hearts. First responders worked tirelessly. People stood together, held one another, and offered whatever help they could.
Flags appeared everywhere.
People gathered in prayer.
We prayed for peace.
We prayed for strength.
We prayed for comfort.
We prayed for the families who had lost so much.
For a moment, the things that divided us seemed smaller than the things that united us.
We were Americans.
We were neighbors.
We were one nation standing together.
Twenty-five years have passed, but we still remember.
We remember the innocent lives lost.
We remember the heroes who answered the call.
We remember the firefighters and first responders who gave everything they had.
We remember the families whose lives were forever changed.
We remember the courage of those who ran toward the danger.
We remember the kindness of those who reached out to help.
We remember a nation that stood together in the face of tragedy.
And most importantly, we remember that behind every name was a life, a family, a story, and someone who was loved.
Time may move forward, but remembrance keeps their stories alive.
AS WE REMEMBER SEPTEMBER 11, 2001
Today, we pause.
We honor their lives.
We honor their courage.
We honor their sacrifice.
We honor the families who continue to carry their memories.
Twenty-five years later, we still remember.
May we never forget September 11, 2001.
May we never forget the lives lost.
May we never forget the heroes.
May we never forget the sacrifice.
WE WILL NEVER FORGET.
AS WE REMEMBER — SEPTEMBER 11, 2001
-Jennifer Hurd-