25 Years Later: What Will We Carry Forward?

September 11, 2001, began as an ordinary Tuesday. By the end of that morning, our nation—and countless families—had been changed forever.

Twenty-five years have now passed. For those of us who remember that day, the images remain difficult to forget: the World Trade Center, the Pentagon, and, here in Pennsylvania, the field near Shanksville where the passengers and crew of Flight 93 made their courageous final stand.

We remember nearly 3,000 lives taken that day. We remember their families, for whom September 11 is not merely an anniversary on a calendar, but the remembrance of a husband or wife, a father or mother, a son or daughter, a friend who never came home.

But if we remember only the destruction, we remember only part of the story.

There were firefighters climbing stairs while everyone else was coming down. Police officers and emergency workers running toward danger. Strangers carrying strangers. Priests offering prayer and comfort amid unimaginable suffering. Passengers aboard Flight 93 choosing courage when they understood what was happening.

And on the waters surrounding Manhattan, ordinary mariners turned their boats toward the smoke instead of away from it, helping carry countless people to safety.

A whole generation has now grown up without a personal memory of September 11. What will we teach them?

Surely we must tell them what happened. But we must also tell them how people responded—with courage, sacrifice, compassion, faith, and love.

Perhaps that is one of the most important questions this 25th anniversary places before us:

What will we carry forward?

Fear—or courage?

Hatred—or love?

Division—or service?

Darkness—or the light of Christ?

For Christians, September 11 reminds us of a truth proclaimed in the Gospel of John:

“The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.”
— John 1:5

Twenty-five years later, we remember those who died.

We pray for those who still grieve.

We honor those who served and sacrificed.

And we ask God for the grace to become people who, when darkness comes, choose to carry the light.

May God grant eternal rest to all who died on September 11, 2001, comfort to their families, healing to those who continue to suffer, and peace to our nation and our world.

A Prayer of Remembrance

Lord God,

On this anniversary of September 11, we remember before You all who died, all who were injured, all who responded in service, and all whose lives were forever changed.

We entrust to Your mercy those who lost their lives. Grant comfort and strength to their families and loved ones. Bless first responders, rescue workers, chaplains, and all who placed themselves in harm’s way for others.

Heal the wounds that still remain in hearts, minds, and memories. Keep us from bitterness and fear. Make us people of peace, compassion, courage, and hope.

Teach us, O Lord, not only to remember the tragedy, but also to remember the goodness that rose within it—the sacrifice, unity, and love shown by so many.

May we honor the memory of that day by choosing what is good, by caring for one another, and by placing our trust in You.