Today, we remember the nearly 3,000 precious lives taken from us 24 years ago, and we pay tribute to the extraordinary courage of first responders, volunteers and ordinary Americans who, in the face of unimaginable tragedy, stepped forward with strength and compassion.

The events of September 11, 2001, remind us of the importance of service, and the resilience that defines our communities. We also recognize the families who carry the weight of that loss—the loved ones who are missed at every dinner table. May we continue to honor their memory not only in words, but in how we live and serve each other every day.

In the aftermath of the attacks, American people demonstrated unprecedented unity and resolve. We were determined to not only recover but grow even stronger than before. As we reflect today, let us commit ourselves to reinforcing the bonds that hold our communities together, and find a path to establish that unity again.

On this solemn anniversary, we reaffirm our promise: We will never forget the lives lost nor the heroes who answered the call. Their bravery and sacrifice will be honored today and always.