September 11, 2001

May we always live up to the promise to “Never Forget.”

Eighteen years ago, the world witnessed a heinous act of terrorism. 2,977 souls perished — an unfathomable loss of life.

That day, we saw the worst of humanity. But in the days afterward, in the midst of the horrors, we also saw the best of our nation in the thousands of firefighters, cops, medical workers, construction workers, and others who rushed to Ground Zero when they were needed. Thousands stayed on that pile day after day, month after month, first to recover remains, and then to rebuild. Their selfless service put them in harm’s way — and forever changed their lives and the lives of their families.

Today, we mourn those lost on September 11, 2001, and those we’ve lost in the years since because of this tragedy.

We also recognize the ways in which many continue to live with the impacts of that horrific day. The death toll in the first responder community continues to rise due to illnesses obtained from the toxins at Ground Zero. Last week, the New York City Fire Department added the names of 22 firefighters to the FDNY World Trade Center Memorial Wall in Brooklyn, heroes who’ve succumbed to such illnesses. And at this point, as the death toll climbs, more New York City police officers have died since 9/11 than on 9/11 itself.

I’m grateful that the first responder community finally got to breathe a deep sigh of relief as our government came together to permanently reauthorize the Victim Compensation Fund this summer. After coming back to Congress year after year to beg for permanent compensation, they are finally receiving the peace of mind that they’ve long deserved.

We honor our 9/11 community as the pinnacle of courage, sacrifice, and heroism. They were there for us when we needed them — and our moral obligation to stand with them continues. May we always live up to our promise to “Never Forget.”