On Sept. 11, 2001 – 22 years ago – terrorist hijackers carried out a coordinated attack against the United States, taking over four planes and crashing them into the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center and the Pentagon. Nearly 3,000 people were killed in the devastating attacks that set off a U.S.-led Global War on Terrorism to find and defeat Al Qaeda and other terrorist threats around the world.
In the wake of the attacks, Americans united with a common call to “Never Forget” what happened that day and how the United States responded. Every year on Sept. 11, Americans now commemorate Patriot Day as a day of remembrance of the 9/11 attacks.
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Former President Donald Trump posted a video on Truth Social recognizing the solemn anniversary.
“No one who lived through the horror of the September 11th terrorist attacks can ever forget the agony and the anguish of that terrible day. It was a terrible day. The images of dark plumes of smoke billowing over lower Manhattan, the Pentagon and a field in Pennsylvania – such a beautiful field – are seared into our minds forever. We will never forget,” Trump said in part.
President Joe Biden also acknowledged the anniversary, writing on X, “Today, we remember the 2,977 precious lives stolen from us on 9/11 and reflect on all that was lost in the fire and ash that September morning. The American story itself changed on this day 22 years ago. But what could not — and will not — change is the character of this nation.”
Other lawmakers also recognized the anniversary with posts on social media.
“We will never forget the 2,977 lives lost twenty-two years ago today at Ground Zero, Shanksville, and the Pentagon. We remain indebted to the heroic first responders, and our hearts are with the family members and friends who lost loved ones,” Vice President Kamala Harris posted on X, formerly Twitter.
“22 years ago today, the 9/11 attacks forever changed our nation. Texas will never forget the innocent lives lost and the first responders who selflessly sacrificed to save others. In the days after, Americans united to heal. May that spirit of unity always guide our nation,” Texas Gov. Greg Abbott posted on X.
“Twenty-two years ago, nineteen terrorists took 2,977 innocent lives in the deadliest attack against America in our history. We will never forget,” Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis wrote.
