September 11, 2001, will always be remembered as a day that changed the course of history and the lives of countless individuals forever. As we reflect upon the tragic events of that day, our hearts are heavy with the memory of the nearly 3,000 innocent people who perished in the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center in New York City, the Pentagon in Washington, D.C., and Flight 93 that crashed in Pennsylvania.
Their lives were abruptly taken from them and left behind families, friends and an entire nation to grieve in disbelief and shock. The vivid images of that fateful day, the billowing smoke, the brave first responders rushing to the scene, and the incredible acts of heroism amidst the chaos remain forever etched in our memory.
In the face of such tragedy, we also remember the resilience and unity that emerged in its wake. Americans from all walks of life came together to support one another, demonstrating the strength of the human spirit in times of adversity.
We honor the first responders who courageously rushed into harm's way to save lives, many of whom made the ultimate sacrifice.