Twenty-five years ago, on a clear September morning, our nation was attacked.

Our country—and our understanding of the world—changed forever.

For many Americans, September 11 is remembered through images that remain etched in our minds: smoke rising above New York City, a scarred Pentagon, and first responders running toward danger as others fled to safety. For the families who lost someone they loved, however, September 11 is not simply a moment in our nation’s history. It is an absence they have carried through 25 years of birthdays, holidays, milestones, and ordinary days when someone should have been there.

Four of those we lost had deep ties to North Dakota.

Alfred Marchand was born and raised in Fargo. After serving for more than two decades as a police officer in New Mexico, he began a second career as a flight attendant. He was a member of the crew aboard United Airlines Flight 175.

James Halvorson was born and raised in Devils Lake and attended North Dakota State University. He went on to build a successful career in finance, including working in the World Trade Center.

Robert Rasmussen was born in Fargo, grew up in Hunter, and graduated from North Dakota State University. A husband and father of three, he was working in the World Trade Center that morning.

Ann Nicole Nelson attended school in Stanley and Minot State University before beginning her career as a bond broker in New York City. Her generous spirit lives on through Ann Nicole Nelson Hall at Minot State and Annie’s House at Bottineau Winter Park, which helps veterans and people with disabilities enjoy North Dakota’s outdoors.

Alfred, James, Robert, and Ann had dreams, responsibilities, families who loved them, and communities proud to call them their own. Twenty-five years later, North Dakota still remembers them.

We also remember the extraordinary courage Americans showed that day.

Firefighters climbed smoke-filled stairwells. Police officers guided people to safety and secured dangerous scenes. Emergency medical personnel treated the injured. Passengers aboard Flight 93 fought back, preventing terrorists from reaching their intended target. In our nation’s darkest hours, Americans demonstrated the very best of who we are.

That spirit of service did not end on September 11.

Every day, North Dakota’s law enforcement officers put on their uniforms and leave their families to protect ours. They respond to accidents, crimes, missing persons, severe weather, and people in crisis. They make difficult decisions under circumstances most of us will never experience. Much of their work happens quietly, without recognition or public attention, but their courage and commitment help keep our communities safe.

To every sheriff’s deputy, police officer, highway patrol trooper, corrections officer, dispatcher, and member of law enforcement serving across our state: thank you. We are deeply grateful for your service and for the families who support you.

The years since September 11 have brought uncertainty, division, and change. A full generation of Americans has now grown up without any personal memory of that day. That makes the responsibility to remember—and to pass its lessons forward—even more important.

The next generation must understand not only the evil inflicted upon our nation, but also the courage, unity, and compassion that answered it. In the days after the attacks, Americans stood shoulder to shoulder. They prayed together, gave blood, raised flags, comforted strangers, and thanked those who served. Political differences faded, neighbors cared for neighbors, and the country was reminded that what unites us is far greater than what divides us.

Twenty-five years later, remembrance must be more than looking back. 

The most meaningful way to honor those we lost is to carry their memory forward—not only in words, but in how we live. Let us teach our children what happened that day, why freedom must never be taken for granted, and what Americans are capable of when we stand together. And let us stand behind the law enforcement officers, first responders, and military members who remain on guard every day—at home and abroad—working to keep us safe.

May we never forget those we lost, never take our freedom for granted, and always support those who defend it.