25 years ago, our nation was attacked on American soil. The clear blue sky was darkened by choking black smoke, ash, and debris, seared into our collective memory like a scar. Nearly 3,000 victims died 25 years ago, and their memories are not forgotten.
Protecting the freedoms they cherished, defending these United States in their memory is a serious mantle all Americans must take up. We honor them not only by remembering that day, but by how we carry our nation forward. I hope that with every step we take to better America, we have made them proud.