Twenty-five years ago, our nation experienced a day that changed us forever. Nearly 3,000 innocent lives were lost when terrorists attacked the World Trade Center, Pentagon, and passengers of Flight 93 who fought back over the skies of Pennsylvania. Everyone could share their own story of how that day changed their world.
I was honored to lead Chandler's first-ever ceremony marking the 25th anniversary of 9/11 at our Public Safety Memorial Plaza. As I told those gathered, we came together "not simply to remember a tragedy, but to honor the response of courage, sacrifice and unity that rose from the ashes of that morning." No matter how many years pass, we will never let that memory fade, and we never let those lessons go unlearned.
As a veteran myself, I remember the attacks on September 11 in a personal way watching firefighters, police officers, paramedics and everyday citizens run toward danger. I reminded our community that same courage lives on in the men and women who protect Chandler today.
This ceremony happened because it mattered, and because I made it a priority to bring a first-of-its-kind, 9/11 remembrance event to Chandler. I worked alongside American Legion Post 35, Chandler Fire and Chandler Police to bring this vision to life, with the full support of the Chandler City Council and city staff. Gathering that morning surrounded by uniforms, veterans and neighbors, I felt the weight of what we were there to do.
None of this happens without a team effort. My fellow elected officials of the Chandler City Council stood beside me to pay tribute and shared remarks that spoke about what this day means for our city and nation. Councilmember Christine Ellis shared her powerful prayer and personal reflection on 9/11. Chandler Fire and Chandler Police brought their departments together to coordinate the program, and the American Legion anchored the ceremony as the voice of those who have worn the uniform. It was a stirring, solemn morning, and one I hope becomes a fixture of this ceremony for years to come.
I took the lead in bringing this ceremony to Chandler because I believe our city deserves a moment like this. As your councilmember, I am proud to start a Chandler tradition to mark this day. I hope that spirit will be carried into how we treat our neighbors, support our first responders and build a community worthy of the sacrifice made twenty-five years ago.
We remember the lives lost. We honor those who served and continue to serve. And twenty-five years later, as one Chandler, we say together: we will never forget.
