Adrian Smith
Twenty-five years ago, our nation was attacked, and the world as we knew it changed forever.
On September 11, 2001, nearly 3,000 innocent people lost their lives during the deadliest terrorist attacks on American soil. Now, twenty-five years later, we honor their memory and ensure they are never forgotten.
But remembering September 11th means more than reflecting on the events of that day. It means remembering how Americans responded in the face of evil and carrying that courage forward.
As our nation struggled to comprehend what was unfolding, our first responders were running toward danger. Firefighters, police officers, emergency medical personnel, and countless others put their lives on the line to save their fellow Americans. They did not hesitate. They answered the call.
Miles away, we saw the same courage aboard Flight 93. After learning about the attacks in New York and Washington, the passengers and crew made the decision to fight back against their hijackers. They knew the danger they faced, but they chose to sacrifice themselves to protect others. Their bravery thwarted the terrorists’ plan and prevented the plane from reaching its intended target, ultimately saving thousands of innocent lives.
But the response did not end that day. In the days and weeks that followed, countless brave men and women answered the call to defend our nation overseas. They fought not only to keep Americans safe, but to protect the freedoms and democratic principles that make our country worth defending.
Here at home, Americans came together. Churches opened their doors. Neighbors checked on one another. People lined up to donate blood and fly flags from their homes and vehicles. Across our country, people found ways to help and remind one another that we were not alone.
Even in our darkest moment, we never lost sight of what it means to be an American.
We look out for one another. We stand with our neighbors in times of need. We serve something greater than ourselves. And when our freedom and democratic principles are threatened, we defend them.
Twenty-five years ago, Americans showed the world what we are capable of when we stand together. Today, we owe it to those we lost, those who survived, and those who sacrificed themselves to save others to never forget that lesson.
Our freedom is not something we should ever take for granted. Democracy cannot defend itself. It relies on us to continue to stand together, to serve our communities, to defend our freedoms, and pass our nation’s principles on to the next generation.
Now more than ever, we must continue to defend our freedom. We must continue to stand together. And we must make sure the next generation understands why. Twenty-five years later, we must never forget.
Adrian Smith represents the Nebraska Third District in the United States Congress. Read his column in the Nance County Journal.