25th Anniversary of 9/11 Honors Victims and Heroes

On the 25th anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, North Dakota senators Kevin Cramer and John Hoeven honored the 2,977 victims, first responders, military personnel and others who sacrificed to protect and serve the nation. Personal accounts from a former SEC employee at 7 World Trade Center and a Connecticut parent describe the confusion, fear, disrupted communications and lasting emotional impact of the attacks near New York and Washington. A former Reagan National Airport manager recalled hearing Flight 77 strike the Pentagon and helping shut down the airport and U.S. airspace, highlighting the professionalism of aviation and emergency workers. Survivors and first responders continue to suffer serious health problems linked to toxic exposure, while Muslim Americans report enduring or renewed Islamophobia and concerns about religious freedom. Across generations, the anniversary remains a national tragedy and a remembrance of courage, compassion and unity.