NEVER FORGOTTEN: 25 Years After September 11th

To honor the lives lost on September 11th, I'd like to share Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer's proclamation:

"WHEREAS, 25 years ago today, our nation watched in horror as four commercial airliners were hijacked and directed toward major American institutions, including the World Trade Center and the Pentagon; and, 

WHEREAS, as a result, nearly 3,000 men, women, and children lost their lives that day, and countless other families and loved ones felt — and continue to feel — the lasting impact of this tragedy; and,   

WHEREAS, in the aftermath of one of the worst terrorist attacks in our history, we proved that love is stronger than hate, as our military, law enforcement officers, firefighters, first responders, and other emergency personnel showed true heroism and selfless courage for the safety of others; and,   

WHEREAS, this tragedy will always serve as a reminder of the strength, resilience, and compassion we possess in the face of devastating loss; and,   

WHEREAS, on this day, we should honor those who lost their lives and those who sacrificed their lives for others, including the men and women who showed bravery in responding to the attacks and aiding the victims; and,  

WHEREAS, we should pay tribute to their lives with service and charity toward others and ensure that our state and nation are just and inclusive places for all;  

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Gretchen Whitmer, Governor of Michigan, do hereby proclaim September 11, 2026, as Patriot Day in Michigan and urge all citizens to take a moment to commemorate the lives we lost and do our part to continue to carry forward the ideals of liberty, equality, and justice."

Each year, American flags are flown at half-staff on all federal buildings; Americans are asked to observe moments of silence at the exact times that the planes struck the World Trade Center, the Pentagon, and crashed in Pennsylvania; and Americans are encouraged to participate in volunteer work and charitable acts to honor the victims and first responders.

Yahoo!News reported, "On September 6th, the Atlanta Braves hosted the annual Patriot Day 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb at Truist Park, honoring first responders and lives lost on September 11th, 2001. The event, organized by the Atlanta Braves Foundation, The Terry Farrell Firefighters Fund of Georgia, and the Georgia Fraternal Order of Leatherheads Society, saw over 530 participants, including first responders, community members, and supporters — including fire fighters from the United Kingdom. Participants climbed over 2,000 steps at Truist Park, symbolizing the 110 flights of stairs that FDNY firefighters ascended during rescue efforts on 9/11. Each climber wore a lanyard with a photo and name of a 9/11 victim in remembrance. And a piece of Trade Center steel was displayed onsite. Proceeds from the event benefit The Terry Farrell Firefighters Fund of Georgia, supporting first responders and their families across the state."

And at Pepperdine University's Alumni Park in Malibu, California, overlooking the Pacific Ocean, the annual "Waves of Flags" appears each September for two weeks around September 11th. Nearly 3,000 flags are placed in remembrance of the lives lost: 2,977 flags in total, including one national flag representing each foreign country that lost citizens on that day. The flag display became an annual tradition in 2008 when university students were inspired by a similar 9/11 tribute elsewhere.

Lastly, the 9/11 Memorial and Museum in New York City asks the public to take a photo of the sky this morning — regardless of the weather. Include a caption and post it early in the day to Instagram or any social media platform. Use hashtags #NeverForget911 and #RememberTheSky. The social media campaign is "inspired by the clear blue sky that was present in New York City and across the country on 9/11."

What will you do today to honor the memory of the lives lost 25 years ago on September 11th?

SHARE THIS: Take a photo of the sky this morning and post to social media — the campaign "is inspired by the clear blue sky that was present in New York City and across the country on 9/11/2001." ~9/11 Memorial and Museum in NYC #NeverForget911 #RememberTheSky #DebbieLaskeysBlog

Image Credit: Pepperdine Athletics via Facebook.