25 Years Later: Arizona Remembers September 11

Twenty-five years ago, September 11, 2001 changed our country forever.

Today, Arizona joins communities across the nation in remembering the nearly 3,000 people who lost their lives, honoring the families who continue to carry their memories, and recognizing the extraordinary first responders who ran toward danger when others were trying to escape.

Across Arizona, that remembrance is taking many forms. Governor Katie Hobbs ordered American and Arizona flags at state buildings lowered to half-staff from sunrise to sunset in recognition of Patriot Day. Communities throughout our state are also gathering for ceremonies, memorials, moments of reflection and tributes to those who served.

Arizona has its own important connection to the response at Ground Zero. Following the attacks, 62 members of Arizona Task Force 1 — including firefighters, police officers, doctors and canine handlers — traveled from Arizona to New York City to assist with the response and recovery effort. Twenty-five years later, Phoenix is honoring those Arizonans and ensuring a new generation hears their stories of service and sacrifice. 

September 11 also reminds us of something that remains true every day: behind every uniform is someone willing to answer the call when their community needs them.

To the firefighters, police officers, paramedics, dispatchers, emergency medical professionals and other first responders serving communities throughout Arizona today: thank you. Your willingness to protect your neighbors and step into uncertain situations is something we should never take for granted.

And to the first responders of New York City, especially the FDNY, NYPD, Port Authority Police Department, EMS personnel and countless others who responded on September 11 and in the difficult days and months that followed: our nation will never forget your courage or your sacrifice.

Some gave their lives that day. Others spent years dealing with the physical and emotional consequences of their service. Their example became one of the defining memories of September 11 — ordinary Americans demonstrating extraordinary courage when their country needed them most.

Twenty-five years later, remembrance is about more than looking backward. It is about carrying forward the values we witnessed that day: service, courage, compassion, unity and a willingness to help our neighbors.

Arizona remembers.

We will never forget.