Sept. 11, 2024 — Twenty-three years ago today a nation watched in horror as the world changed forever. The attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, etched themselves into the hearts of every American, a moment of unparalleled tragedy. But they also sparked something deeper, a profound sense of unity, resolve, and shared grief that transcended politics, geography and division.

Today, as we remember the nearly 3,000 lives lost at the World Trade Center, the Pentagon and in the fields of Pennsylvania, we pause to reflect on the past and to consider how we have changed—and how we must continue to change.

For many Americans, the events of that day are etched into vivid memories: a clear blue sky suddenly darkened by flames and smoke; the collapsing towers of the World Trade Center sending clouds of ash and debris across lower Manhattan; the devastating images of first responders running toward danger, knowing the odds were against them. The country was collectively plunged into shock and into action. In the face of terror, we found resolve.

In the weeks and months following 9/11, the United States underwent a transformation. We saw extraordinary displays of heroism—both in the immediate aftermath and in the years that followed, as thousands of service members answered the call to duty in faraway lands. Neighbors reached out to one another in ways that felt previously unimaginable. Differences, both large and small, seemed irrelevant in the face of shared tragedy.

As time passed, the lessons of unity that 9/11 inspired began to fade. The world became increasingly complex. Wars stretched on, civil liberties were questioned, and political divides grew.

Today, as we look back on that day from a vantage point more than two decades removed, we must confront some uncomfortable truths.

Have we lost sight of that spirit of national unity? Have we allowed the political, cultural, and ideological divisions to fragment the bonds that seemed so strong in the wake of the attacks?

Sept. 11 was a day of profound loss, but it was also a reminder of our shared humanity and interdependence. The courage displayed by first responders, the perseverance of survivors, and the resilience of a city and nation recovering from unfathomable devastation showed us the best of who we are when united in purpose.

Moving forward, we must continue to honor the memory of those who died by living up to the ideals of unity, compassion and shared sacrifice. This means renewing our commitment to standing together in the face of any challenge, whether it be domestic or international, a pandemic or an economic crisis. Just as 9/11 taught us the cost of complacency, it should also remind us of the power of solidarity.

As we pause today to remember the lives lost and the heroes who emerged from the ashes, let us also commit to building a future that reflects the strength and resilience of the American spirit.

May we never forget those who perished. And may we never lose sight of the hope and unity that arose from the darkest day in our nation’s history. In their memory, let us continue to work toward a better, more just and united world.