HomeMy WebLinkAbout20260908 Honoring the 25th Anniversary of September 11, 2001Proclamation
25th Anniversary of September 11, 2001
Patriot Day and Day of Remembrance, September 11, 2026
WHEREAS, September 11, 2026 marks twenty-five years since the terrorist attacks of September
11, 2001, which forever changed our nation and the lives of millions of Americans; and
WHEREAS, the September 11, 2001 attack was the deadliest terrorist attack in American history,
killing 2996 people (including 342 members of the New York City Fire Department, 60 law enforcement
officers from the New York City Police Department and the Port Authority of New York and New
Jersey, and 55 military personnel); and
WHEREAS, on-duty and off-duty firefighters, police officers, emergency medical technicians, and
other responders rushed to the scenes and took heroic action to save lives at the World Trade Center and
the Pentagon; and
WHEREAS, office workers, military personnel, and residents showed incredible courage and
support for their fellow Americans in helping each other escape the attack and flee to safety, often at the
expense of their own lives; and
WHEREAS, the impact of September 11, 2001 continues today, as first responders, recovery
workers, survivors, and others exposed to toxic conditions have suffered serious illnesses, and many
have since lost their lives as a result; and
WHEREAS, amid profound tragedy, Americans came together to support one another and
demonstrated extraordinary courage, compassion, unity, and service; and
WHEREAS, twenty-five years later, we honor those who were lost, those who survived, the families
forever changed, and all who responded and served in the days, months, and years that followed.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, Vicki Veenker, Mayor of the City of Palo Alto, on behalf of the City
Council, do hereby proclaim September 11, 2026, as a day of remembrance and call upon our community
to honor the lives lost, recognize the heroism and enduring sacrifice of our nation’s first responders, and
carry forward the courage, compassion, service, and unity demonstrated in the aftermath of September
11, 2001. Twenty-five years later, we remember their lives, we honor their sacrifice, and we renew our
promise: we will never forget.
Presented: September 9, 2026
Vicki Veenker
Mayor