09/11/2026
Twenty-five years ago today, our nation was forever changed by the tragic attacks of September 11, 2001. On this solemn anniversary, we remember the nearly 3,000 innocent lives that were taken, the families and communities left to carry an unimaginable loss, and the first responders, service members, and ordinary Americans who demonstrated extraordinary courage in the face of unimaginable circumstances.
September 11 is a day of remembrance, but it is also a day that calls us to reflect on who we are as a people. In the days and weeks following the attacks, Americans came together in ways that transcended political parties, geography, race, faith, and background. We mourned together. We helped one another. We stood shoulder to shoulder with our neighbors, recognizing that despite our differences, we shared something far greater: a common home and a shared responsibility to one another.
That spirit of unity remains one of the most enduring lessons of September 11. Twenty-five years later, our country continues to face challenges that can sometimes make our divisions feel greater than our common ground. But this anniversary reminds us that our strength has never come from agreeing on everything. It has come from our willingness to care for one another, to serve our communities, and to recognize the dignity and humanity we share.
Today, we honor those we lost not only by remembering their names and their stories, but by carrying forward the values that brought Americans together in the aftermath of tragedy: compassion, courage, service, and a commitment to one another. We owe it to future generations to ensure that the memory of September 11 remains a reminder of what is possible when we choose solidarity over division and community over fear.
May we continue to stand together, look out for our neighbors, and work toward a Commonwealth and a country where every person knows that they belong. On this 25th anniversary, let us remember those we lost, honor those who served, support the families who continue to carry this grief, and recommit ourselves to the enduring idea that we are stronger when we stand together.
We remember. We honor. And we remain united.
