Today, on the 25th anniversary of September 11, Americans are gathering at Ground Zero in New York City, at the Pentagon and at the Flight 93 National Memorial in Shanksville, Pennsylvania. Names are being read aloud, bells are tolling and moments of silence are marking the events that forever changed our nation.
September 11 reminds us that freedom is never free. The liberties and opportunities we enjoy were secured and protected through the courage, service and sacrifice of generations of Americans who were willing to place the lives of others before their own.
Today, we remember the nearly 3,000 innocent people who were taken from us, the families whose lives were forever changed and the first responders who ran toward unimaginable danger while others searched for safety. We also honor the service members who answered the call in the years that followed and the firefighters, police officers, recovery workers and survivors who continue to suffer from illnesses connected to that day.
We remember how America responded. In one of the darkest moments in our history, we came together—not as strangers separated by race, religion, politics or background, but as Americans united by grief, courage and a shared love of country.
May the memorials taking place across our country today remind us never to take our freedoms, our opportunities or one another for granted. May we always remember the lives lost, honor the sacrifices made and remain grateful for the nation we are privileged to call home.
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