Twenty-five years have passed since the morning of September 11, 2001, but for millions of Americans, the memories of that day remain vivid.

Nearly 3,000 people were killed when terrorists hijacked four commercial airplanes. Two were flown into the towers of the World Trade Center in New York City, another struck the Pentagon in Virginia, and a fourth, United Airlines Flight 93, crashed in a field near Shanksville, Pennsylvania, after passengers and crew members fought back against the hijackers.

The attacks changed America in ways that continue to be felt today. They also brought countless stories of courage and sacrifice. Firefighters, police officers, emergency medical personnel and ordinary citizens rushed toward danger to help people they had never met. On Flight 93, passengers and crew took action after learning what was happening elsewhere, preventing the hijackers from reaching their intended target.

In the difficult days that followed, Americans came together. Flags appeared on homes, businesses and along roadways. Communities gathered for prayer and remembrance, strangers helped one another, and first responders were honored for their service.

Each year, September 11 is observed as Patriot Day and a National Day of Service and Remembrance. Flags are flown at half-staff, ceremonies are held across the country, and Americans pause to remember those whose lives were lost.

This year marks the 25th anniversary of 9/11, an important milestone for a nation in which an entire generation has now grown up without firsthand memories of that day. For those who lived through it, the anniversary is an opportunity to remember where they were, what they saw and how the country responded. For younger generations, it is an opportunity to learn the stories and understand why September 11 remains such an important part of American history.

Twenty-five years later, we remember the lives lost, the families forever changed, the first responders who ran toward danger and the courage shown by ordinary people in extraordinary circumstances.

We remember September 11, 2001. We honor those we lost. And we will never forget.

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