WASHINGTON, D.C. – As the nation marks the 25th anniversary of the September 11 attacks, communities across the country are coming together to honor those we lost. Earlier this year, in support of 9/11 Day, the September 11 National Day of Service and Remembrance, the U.S. Conference of Mayors adopted a resolution calling on mayors to lead and participate in local service projects and commemorative activities.
In observance of this solemn anniversary, below is a statement from U.S. Conference of Mayors President Todd Gloria, Mayor of San Diego:
“Twenty-five years ago, our nation experienced an unimaginable act of terror that took nearly 3,000 lives and changed America forever. Today, we honor those we lost and stand with the families who have carried that loss for a quarter century. We also pay tribute to the courageous first responders who ran toward danger that day to save others.
“In the aftermath of that horrific day, Americans responded with compassion and a determination to help one another. In the years that followed, countless Americans answered the call to serve, including servicemembers from military communities like San Diego, which I am proud to call home.
“That spirit of service is why America’s mayors are asking our communities to mark this anniversary not only by remembering, but by serving. Twenty-five years later, we have a responsibility to ensure a generation born since that day knows not only what we lost, but the courage, sacrifice and shared sense of purpose that followed.
“September 11th will forever be a day of profound loss in our nation’s history. It should also remind us of our capacity to come together, to serve one another and to find strength in what unites us as Americans.”