Today, we pause to remember September 11, 2001, a day that forever changed our nation.

Today, we pause to remember September 11, 2001, a day that forever changed our nation.

Twenty-five years ago, 19 terrorists hijacked four commercial airliners and carried out coordinated attacks against the United States. Two aircraft struck the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center in New York City, one struck the Pentagon, and a fourth crashed in Pennsylvania after courageous passengers fought to stop the attack. Nearly 3,000 innocent people lost their lives that day, including civilians, first responders, military personnel, and airline crews.

The attackers sought to spread fear, weaken our resolve, and divide our nation. Instead, America responded with courage, determination, and unity. In the darkest moments, we witnessed the very best of our country. Firefighters, police officers, emergency personnel, military members, and ordinary citizens put service above self and answered the call without hesitation.

The events of 9/11 shaped a generation of Americans. Many stepped forward to serve, volunteering to defend our nation at home and abroad. In the years that followed, more than 7,000 American service members made the ultimate sacrifice in the Global War on Terror, carrying forward the mission of protecting the freedoms we hold dear.

Today, we honor the 2,977 innocent victims who were taken from us on September 11, and we remember the service members who never returned home from the conflicts that followed.  Their legacy is found not only in our remembrance, but in the values they embodied: duty, courage, selfless service, resilience, and love of country.

May we never forget the lives lost, the sacrifices made, and the unity that carried America forward.