Never Forget: Honoring America and Remembering September 11
Every September, as summer winds down and the calendar turns toward fall, we pause for a date that changed our nation forever. September 11, 2001, is a day etched into the memory of every American who lived through it. It was a day of unimaginable loss, but also one that revealed the very best of who we are.
A Day That Changed America
On the morning of September 11, 2001, the United States endured the deadliest terrorist attack in its history. Nearly 3,000 lives were lost at the World Trade Center in New York City, at the Pentagon in Arlington, Virginia, and aboard Flight 93 in Shanksville, Pennsylvania. In the chaos and heartbreak of that morning, first responders ran toward danger, strangers helped strangers, and communities across the country came together in a way that reminded the world of America’s resilience.
Patriot Day: A National Day of Service and Remembrance
In the years since, September 11 has been observed as Patriot Day, a National Day of Service and Remembrance. Each year at 8:46 a.m. Eastern, the moment the first plane struck the North Tower, Americans are asked to pause for a moment of silence. Flags are lowered to half-staff. Communities hold ceremonies, memorial runs, and volunteer events, turning a day of grief into a day of collective purpose.
How We Can Honor and Remember
You don’t need a grand gesture to honor September 11, small, sincere acts matter:
- Observe the moment of silence at 8:46 a.m. wherever you are.
- Fly the American flag at half-staff for the day.
- Thank a first responder, veteran, or service member in your community.
- Give back through service as many communities host volunteer projects on 9/11 in the spirit of the National Day of Service.
- Share the story with the next generation, so the meaning of the day isn’t lost to time.
Honoring the Everyday Heroes Near You
Nearly 25 years later, the spirit of September 11 still shows up in the everyday heroes across our communities; the firefighters, EMTs, police officers, and service members who continue to show up for their neighbors every single day. This September, take a moment to say thank you to the heroes near you, and to reflect on what it means to be part of a country that always finds a way to stand back up.