09/11/2026
Twenty-five years ago today, on September 11, 2001, our nation was changed forever.
Today, we pause from our gathering to remember the nearly 3,000 innocent lives lost, the passengers and crews aboard four aircraft, the families forever changed, and the brave first responders who answered the call.
We especially remember the 343 members of the FDNY who made the ultimate sacrifice while doing what they had sworn to do—serve, protect, and save others.
American Airlines Flight 11 — North Tower
At 8:46 a.m., American Airlines Flight 11 struck the North Tower of the World Trade Center.
In that instant, thousands of lives were changed forever. But as people were trying to escape, our firefighters and first responders were moving in the opposite direction—toward the danger.
Members of the FDNY climbed stairwells carrying their equipment, meeting frightened civilians along the way and helping them toward safety. They knew the situation was dangerous, but they did what firefighters have always done: they answered the call.
That morning, courage was not a word. It was every step those firefighters took up those stairs.
United Airlines Flight 175 — South Tower
South Tower – 9:03 a.m.
At 9:03 a.m., United Airlines Flight 175 struck the South Tower.
For the firefighters and first responders already working at the World Trade Center, the second impact brought the terrible realization that this was not an accident. America was under attack.
Yet the response did not stop.
Firefighters continued their mission. Police officers continued helping civilians. EMS personnel continued treating the injured. People from every walk of life came together to help one another.
They climbed higher.
They continued searching.
They continued helping.
And they continued doing their jobs until they could do so no longer.
Their sacrifice will forever be a part of the history of the fire service.
American Airlines Flight 77 — Pentagon
The Pentagon — 9:37 a.m.
At 9:37 a.m., American Airlines Flight 77 struck the Pentagon.
The attack brought the horror of September 11 to the heart of our nation's military.
Inside and around the Pentagon, military personnel, civilian employees, firefighters, police officers, and EMS responders were suddenly faced with an unimaginable emergency.
And once again, people ran toward the danger.
Firefighters fought to control the fire.
Rescue personnel searched for survivors.
Police officers secured the scene.
Military personnel and civilians worked together to help their fellow Americans.
Today, we remember those aboard Flight 77 and everyone who lost their lives at the Pentagon.
We also honor the responders who stood their ground and went to work when their country needed them most.
Their courage was a reflection of the strength of America.
We remember. We honor. We will never forget.
United Airlines Flight 93 — Shanksville, Pennsylvania
Shanksville, Pennsylvania 10:03 a.m.
At 10:03 a.m., United Airlines Flight 93 crashed into a field near Shanksville, Pennsylvania.
The passengers and crew aboard that aircraft learned what was happening and made the courageous decision to fight back.
They knew the danger.
They knew the risk.
And they chose to act.
Their actions prevented the hijackers from reaching their intended destination and saved countless lives.
Flight 93 reminds us that courage does not belong only to those who wear a uniform.
On September 11, ordinary people were placed in extraordinary circumstances—and they responded with extraordinary courage.
Today, we honor the passengers and crew of Flight 93 and remember the sacrifice they made for people they would never know.
They stood together. They fought back. They gave everything.
Fall of the North Tower
North Tower – 1028 a.m.
At 10:28 a.m., the North Tower of the World Trade Center collapsed.
In those final moments, firefighters, police officers, EMS personnel, and civilians were still inside, continuing their efforts to save lives.
The collapse marked one of the darkest moments of September 11. It also left a profound loss for the FDNY and for families across our nation.
September 11, 2001, was a day of unimaginable loss. Nearly 3,000 people were killed, including 343 members of the FDNY, along with police officers, EMS personnel, military personnel, and countless civilians.
Twenty-five years later, we remember their names, their families, their sacrifice, and the courage of everyone who responded.
We Remember.
We Honor.
We Will Never Forget.
