9/11/2001: We remember. We honor. We stand together. (Op-ed)

By State Sen. Tony Hwang

Twenty-five years have passed since Sept. 11, 2001 – a day that forever changed America and shattered our sense of safety and peace.

Today, we remember the innocent lives taken in an act of unimaginable evil. But the loss did not end that day. For families who lost parents, spouses, children, siblings, friends, and loved ones, every anniversary renews the pain of lives and futures stolen too soon.

We honor the extraordinary courage of the first responders who ran toward danger as others fled. We remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice that day, as well as those who later died from illnesses linked to their service.

We also honor the generations of American servicemen and women who answered the call to defend our nation, our freedom, and the democratic principles we hold dear. Their courage and sacrifice must never be taken for granted.

With time, the rawness of grief may fade. Memories of fear, uncertainty, and disbelief may grow less vivid. But we must never allow Sept. 11 to become merely a chapter in a history book or an image on a screen.

From unimaginable tragedy emerged courage, resilience, determination, and unity. In our darkest hour, Americans stood together, helped one another, and demonstrated the enduring strength of our nation.

Twenty-five years later, remembrance is more than looking back. It is a responsibility we carry forward: to tell their stories, honor their sacrifice, support the families who still bear the loss, and teach future generations what happened and why it matters; and how it can never happen again.

We remember. We honor. We stand together. And we must never forget.