Friend —

Today marks the 25th anniversary of the September 11th attacks.

25 years since thousands of Americans went to work in the morning and never came home.

25 years since hundreds of first responders rushed into buildings to save lives and never came out.

25 years since a day of unspeakable tragedy.

Flags across New Mexico will be lowered today to honor all of the American lives lost on 9/11 — the heroic firefighters and first responders, the coworkers, the siblings, the parents. When I see those flags flying at half-staff, I think of them, of their families, and of the heavy grief so many still carry.

But those flags also stand as a profound testament to our country’s unity and resilience.

My promise to never forget is a sacred commitment to honor that immense loss, and remember how we stood together, as neighbors and as a nation, in its aftermath. When I see those flags flying at half-staff, I think of how we can find our way forward when we stand together.

Today, I hope you’ll join me in that commitment by honoring the lives lost on September 11th and remembering what is possible when we support, uplift, and comfort one another.

With a heavy heart,

— Teresa Leger Fernandez