09/11/2026
Patriot Day falls on September 11th and is observed each year as we remember the tragic terrorist attacks against the United States on September 11, 2001.
For everyone who lived through that day, September 11th remains embedded in our memories.
On that morning, four commercial airplanes were hijacked and used in attacks against the World Trade Center in New York City and the Pentagon in Arlington, Virginia. These attacks resulted in the deaths of 2,977 people.
The fourth plane, United Airlines Flight 93, was believed to be headed toward Washington, D.C. Its passengers and crew bravely attempted to regain control of the aircraft. Their actions prevented the plane from reaching its intended target, and Flight 93 ultimately crashed into a field near Shanksville, Pennsylvania.
Many of those who lost their lives at the World Trade Center were innocent people who had simply gone to work that morning, just as they had countless other days. Suddenly, they found themselves trapped in one of the world's tallest buildings as the towers burned and collapsed.
The images and stories that emerged that day were heartbreaking and unforgettable. They left an indelible mark on our nation and on the memories of generations who witnessed those events.
In the aftermath of the attacks, countless men and women in emergency services demonstrated extraordinary courage. Firefighters, police officers, emergency medical personnel, and other first responders entered the World Trade Center complex to rescue those who were trapped and to help others escape.
Sadly, 412 public safety personnel lost their lives responding to the attacks in New York City. Among them were 343 firefighters and 72 police officers.
We also remember and honor the 55 members of the United States military who lost their lives that tragic day.
Each year, Patriot Day serves as a solemn reminder of September 11th and of the lives forever changed by those events. It is officially recognized in the United States, and our nation honors the victims by displaying the American flag at half-staff.
But today is about more than remembering tragedy.
Today, we also remember what September 11th taught us about ourselves.
We remember how ordinary people, living ordinary lives, responded with extraordinary courage. Without warning and without hesitation, countless Americans stepped forward to help a neighbor, a stranger, a coworker, or a fellow first responder.
We remember the courage of those who ran toward danger while others were running away from it. We remember the passengers of Flight 93 who fought to take back control of their aircraft. And we remember the countless acts of kindness, compassion, courage, and sacrifice that followed.
Twenty-five years later, the sorrow we feel over the loss of so many innocent lives remain very real. But that sorrow is accompanied by gratitude for the extraordinary courage demonstrated by so many, those who gave their lives and those who survived and continued to help others.
The men and women we remember today taught us, through their actions, what it means to serve. They demonstrated the meaning of duty, loyalty, courage, compassion, and self-sacrifice.
The best way we can honor their memory is to carry those values forward is to look after one another, to serve our communities, and to recognize the goodness and strength of the human spirit.
To all of the schoolchildren, teachers, administrators, parents, and residents that joined us today, thank you for your support and for being part of this important remembrance.
Teaching young people about September 11th is both a challenging and essential responsibility. It gives us an opportunity to help future generations understand not only what happened on that day, but also the values that emerged in response. Bravery, compassion, resilience, service, and the importance of standing together during difficult times.
As we remember September 11th, let us never forget the lives that were lost, the families who were forever changed, and the heroes who answered the call to serve.
Andrew Hock
Elmwood Park Police Chief
