25 Years Later, We Remember

Twenty-five years ago today, Americans woke up to a September morning that would forever change our nation.

Nearly 3,000 lives were taken in the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. Families lost husbands and wives, sons and daughters, mothers and fathers. First responders ran toward danger. And in the days and years that followed, countless Americans answered the call to serve.

For me, the memories of that day remain especially vivid.

I had flown into Boston the night before, and on the morning of September 11, I gathered with Family Policy Council leaders from across the Northeast for an all-day meeting. We had come together around a mission that still brings our alliance together today: strengthening families and defending biblical values in our communities.

But that morning, everything changed.

Throughout the meeting, people came into the room with devastating updates. A plane had struck the World Trade Center. Then another. The Pentagon had been attacked. The South Tower had fallen.

With some of the hijackers having departed from Boston, authorities were on heightened alert. Our meeting continued, distracted and heavyhearted, until mid-afternoon, when we finally stopped so everyone could begin figuring out how to get home.

With air travel shut down, I eventually began the long drive home across the country.

I will never forget that day. And 25 years later, we must not forget.

We remember the innocent Americans whose lives were taken and the families who have carried those losses for a quarter century.

We honor the firefighters, police officers, paramedics and other first responders who ran toward danger to save the lives of others.

And we remain deeply grateful for the service members who answered our nation’s call in the years that followed, especially those who made the ultimate sacrifice defending our country and our freedoms.

September 11 reminded us how quickly the things we take for granted can change, and how precious the blessings of faith, family and freedom truly are.

Today, I hope you’ll join all of us at Family Policy Alliance in praying for those who still carry the grief of September 11, thanking those who have sacrificed to protect our nation, and asking God to continue to watch over America.

Twenty-five years later, may we still remember. May we still honor their courage and sacrifice. And may we never forget.

God bless you, and God bless America,