Dear John,

I’m sure as many of us awoke this morning, the first thing in our minds was remembering where we were or what we were doing when the twin towers fell twenty-two years ago today, on September 11, 2001.

I will never forget the feelings of pain, shock, and loss that gripped our nation. But I will also never forget how, in the face of this unimaginable pain, Americans came together in support of one another.

In New York City, brave first responders risked their own lives to save the lives of others. Outside of New York, communities united to lean on one another through seemingly insurmountable pain and fear. And across the country, we united through patriotism and resilience, vowing to never forget while we stepped forward into an uncertain future.

Now 22 years later, I hope you’ll join me in honoring the bravery and heroism of first responders and men and women in uniform across the country – some of whom made the ultimate sacrifice on September 11, 2001. We are forever indebted to their service, and their memory reminds us that freedom isn’t free.

In remembrance,

Emilia