On this day 24 years ago, nearly 3,000 lives were stolen by an unconscionable act of cowardice and hate. Terrorists believed they could break our will and bring us to our knees. They were wrong. Together, as Americans, we united in grief and purpose. We found light in darkness. And in the face of fear, we came together — to defend our country, to help one another, and to overcome. Today, we share a solemn rite of remembrance and honor all the souls we lost that day on September 11, 2001. And we remember the immense courage of the first responders — firefighters, law enforcement officers, emergency workers, and service members — who answered the call of duty, and the brave civilians who rushed into action to save lives that day. America will Never Forget.