25 years later: we remember, we honor, we rise together

Twenty-five years ago today, the world changed in an instant. On the morning of September 11, 2001, nearly 3,000 mothers, fathers, sons, daughters, friends, and neighbors were taken from us in the worst terrorist attack on American soil. Today, on this milestone anniversary, we pause — not only to grieve, but to honor their memory and celebrate the extraordinary resilience that carried a nation forward.

Across the country this Friday, Americans are gathering in ceremonies large and small to mark the 25th anniversary of the attacks on the World Trade Center, the Pentagon and the crash of United Flight 93 in Shanksville, Pennsylvania.

Some of the amazing things happening locally today:

9/11 Stair Climb at Red Rocks:

What: What began with five Denver firefighters climbing 110 stories in full firefighting gear to honor their 343 New York City brothers who were killed in the line of duty at the World Trade Center has now turned into thousands. Anyone is welcome to participate in this moment of reflection, honor and exercise as the community comes together to honor the 25th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks. 8 a.m. at Red Rocks Amphitheatre

Big Bill’s NY Pizza has its annual “9/11 Day of Giving” fundraiser in remembrance of the September 11 attacks, where rather than paying a meal check, diners make a donation and all the proceeds go to cancer research in Colorado. Big Bill’s NY Pizza has raised more than $1.645 million through this fundraiser since 2009.

9/11 Day of Service and Remembrance, Saturday:

Hundreds of Denverites will come together with AmeriCorps volunteers and be organized by nonprofit Carry The Load at Fort Logan National Cemetery to mark the 25th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks on the World Trade Center. In an effort to turn remembrance into action, volunteers will be cleaning and restoring headstones to beautify the grounds of the cemetery where our nation’s heroes are resting. Volunteers and first responders will also be sharing personal reflections from 9/11. 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday at Fort Logan National Cemetery

The FDNY alone lost 343 members that day — and tragically, many more active and retired firefighters have since died from World Trade Center–related illnesses.

Their sacrifice, and the sacrifice of every police officer, paramedic, and volunteer who answered the call, will never be forgotten.

Today is also a national Day of Service and Remembrance. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs is hosting service events at more than 140 VA and state veteran cemeteries this weekend, inviting community volunteers to clean headstones and participate in cemetery beautification — turning grief into gratitude, and memory into meaningful action.

If September 11 revealed the worst of humanity, it also revealed the very best. First responders rushed into burning buildings without hesitation. Strangers carried strangers to safety. Communities opened their doors and their hearts. In the days and weeks that followed, Americans came together with a unity and compassion that transcended every difference.

To the families who carry an empty seat at their table — we see you, and we stand with you. To the first responders and service members who have given so much in the 25 years since — we thank you. And to every listener hearing this today: take a moment. Hold someone close. Tell them they matter.

Out of unimaginable darkness, this nation found its light. Twenty-five years later, that light still shines.

We remember. We honor. We will never forget.

— From all of us at KOSI 101