25 Years Since 9/11: Remembering, Honoring, and Never Forgetting
It’s been 25 years since 9/11.
In so many ways, it feels like yesterday – and a lifetime ago.
Like so many others, I still remember where I was (working at Buckley AFB, CO), what I was doing, and the shock of watching our world change before our eyes. So many things happened in the hours, days, months, and years that followed. Our nation was now at war, and for a time, our country came together as one.
Beyond the lives lost on September 11, 2001, there were so many brave men and women who stepped forward to defend our country. Those who were already serving, trained and ready to answer the call. Those who joined in record numbers. So many willing to serve, willing to sacrifice, and willing to defend this beautiful country they loved.
Many gave their lives – the ultimate sacrifice. Others came home carrying visible and invisible wounds. And countless families carried the weight of deployments, loss, uncertainty, and sacrifice alongside them.
As so many others have, I have experienced so many emotions over these past 25 years. I have been scared, especially when my husband, and later my stepson, were deployed. I have felt an incredible sense of pride watching my fellow service members and civilians working for our government and doing their part to support our troops. And I have felt so much joy, especially when welcoming home friends who had deployed.
During one TDY to the Pentagon, I had the opportunity to visit the 9/11 Memorial and Chapel. It moved me to tears. Years later, I was stationed at the Pentagon. I can’t tell you how many times I visited that chapel, reading the stories of those who were lost and running my fingers over their names. Then, when I visited New York, I walked through the 9/11 Memorial and Museum at the site of the Twin Towers. The heaviness in my heart. The tears. The emotions. I can still feel them.
I am forever grateful to my brothers and sisters in arms, to the First Responders, and also every person who helped those who were trapped, injured, frightened, or grieving on 9/11. And to every person who has supported our service members, veterans, and their families throughout the years that followed.
Over the last 24 hours, I’ve been watching so many stories about 9/11 – firsthand accounts from people who were inside the World Trade Center, at the Pentagon, in the surrounding areas, first responders, and military members. I’ve watched tributes where the names were read, those we lost on September 11, and those we lost in the years of the Global War on Terrorism.
“Never Forget” was never meant to be just about September 11, 2001.
It means forever. Watching the stories, hearing the testimonies – it isn’t easy, but it is important.
And as we remember September 11, we must also remember September 12, 2001.
Because on September 12, we came together. We put aside our differences, and we looked out for one another. We stood shoulder to shoulder, as Americans – united, compassionate, and determined. Twenty-five years later, I hope we never forget either day.
We must never forget those we lost. We must never forget the sacrifices made by families, first responders, service members, veterans, and so many others.
And we must never forget what it felt like when we came together as one.
Remembering Through Their Stories
Firsthand testimonies and stories from those who experienced 9/11 and 25th Anniversary Commemoration ceremonies, we have included several impactful links below. Some are difficult to watch, but they are important stories to hear and remember.
- American Veterans Center – Various accounts from
- A Legacy of Service: America at the 25th Anniversary of 9/11
- Military Women’s Memorial – 9/11 25th Anniversary Program and Sunset Remembrance Ceremony
- Remembrance to Renewal – Community Reflection on 25th Anniversary of 9/11
- National September 11 Memorial & Museum – 25th Anniversary Commemoration of September 11, 2001
- U.S. Department of War – Pentagon Ceremony
- Flight 93 Memorial Ceremony
