Never Forget
September 11, 2001, remains one of the most solemn and defining days in American history. The attacks on that day brought profound tragedy and immeasurable loss, but they also revealed the strength, courage, and resilience of the United States. For many Americans, 9/11 is remembered not only as a moment of devastation, but also as a moment when the nation was reminded of the fragility of peace and the importance of unity. Remembering 9/11 is therefore not only an act of mourning; it is also an opportunity to reflect on the values of freedom, service, sacrifice, and patriotism that continue to shape the American identity.
On the morning of September 11, nineteen Saudi terrorists associated with al-Qaeda hijacked four commercial airplanes that had departed from airports on the East Coast and were headed west. American Airlines Flight 11 struck the North Tower of the World Trade Center at 8:46 a.m., and United Airlines Flight 175 struck the South Tower at 9:03 a.m. Another aircraft, American Airlines Flight 77, crashed into the Pentagon in Arlington, Virginia, at 9:37 a.m. A fourth aircraft, United Airlines Flight 93, crashed near Shanksville, Pennsylvania, after passengers and crew members fought back against the hijackers. In total, 2,977 people were killed in the attacks, including civilians, service members, and first responders.
These facts give historical weight to the act of remembrance. The World Trade Center was not only a landmark of New York City, but also a symbol of commerce, ambition, and international connection. The Pentagon represented the nation’s defense and public service. Flight 93, which never reached its intended target in Washington, D.C., became a lasting example of civilian courage. Together, these sites form a national memory that extends from New York to Virginia to Pennsylvania and reminds Americans that the events of 9/11 touched the entire country.
The events of 9/11 also demonstrated extraordinary courage and sacrifice. According to the National September 11 Memorial & Museum, the attacks caused the deaths of 441 first responders, the greatest loss of emergency responders on a single day in American history. At the World Trade Center, approximately 2,000 police officers and nearly 1,000 firefighters deployed in response to the disaster, while more than 100 city and volunteer ambulances were dispatched within the first hour. These men and women moved toward danger in order to save others, living out the highest ideals of service and duty.
The passengers and crew of Flight 93 hold a particularly important place in the history of that day. After learning that other hijacked planes had already been used as weapons, they chose to resist. Their counterattack prevented the aircraft from reaching its intended destination in Washington, D.C. Although everyone aboard was killed, their actions likely saved many lives and remain one of the most powerful examples of sacrifice by ordinary citizens in American history.
In the aftermath of the attacks, the American people displayed a powerful spirit of unity. Across towns and cities, citizens gathered, supported one another, and stood together beneath the same flag. Political, regional, and personal differences seemed less important than the shared responsibility to mourn, rebuild, and defend the values of the nation. The revisionist history being taught in some of the Nation’s public schools is deliberately designed to obfuscate the facts and the importance of that day.
Patriotism in the context of 9/11 is not only expressed through symbols and ceremonies, but also through the daily choices that honor the nation’s ideals. Liberty, justice, dignity, compassion, and service are principles that require continual commitment. The flag, the national anthem, and public memorials serve as visible reminders of shared loyalty, but true patriotism is also reflected in how citizens treat one another and how they protect the freedoms entrusted to them. To remember 9/11 is to recognize both the cost of hatred and the importance of protecting a society built on freedom and respect.
It is also important to teach future generations to ignore men like Hasan Piker, a communist political commentator, who said, “America deserved 9/11”. He’s not alone, Minnesota Democrat Representative Ilhan Omar described the September 11 terrorist attacks with the phrase "some people did something". Sadly, there are too many who dismiss the terrorist attack as Omar has. Nearly 100 million Americans have no first-hand memory of that day. There is a national responsibility to preserve the historical truth and strengthen the bonds that hold the country together.
The legacy of September 11 also calls Americans to remain vigilant in preserving the values that define the nation. Freedom is strengthened when citizens participate responsibly in their communities, respect the dignity of others, and remember the sacrifices made on their behalf. Service members, first responders, public servants, and ordinary citizens all contribute to the ongoing work of protecting and improving the country. In this way, remembrance becomes more than reflection; it becomes a call to action rooted in gratitude and national purpose.
The terrorists wanted to destroy the United States for what it represents. They have been taught to hate our freedom and success. Never miscalculate the hatred and the ruthlessness that radical Islam can produce. They will continue to seek the destruction of this nation as long as they have the ability. That is why Iran must never have a nuclear weapon.
Ultimately, remembering September 11 means honoring the lives lost, the heroes who answered the call, and the enduring spirit of the United States. The tragedy of that day will always hold a solemn place in American memory, but so too will the courage, compassion, and unity that followed it. As the nation continues forward, the memory of 9/11 should inspire Americans to live with gratitude, serve with humility, and remain devoted to building a country worthy of those who sacrificed and those who were lost.
By preserving this memory with reverence, Americans ensure that the lessons of September 11 continue to guide the nation toward courage, unity, and a deeper appreciation for the freedoms that define it.