Trump: 'We Will Never, Ever Forget' 9/11

Trump: 'We will never, ever forget' 9/11

President Donald Trump started his speech by focusing on the stories of the victims, both on Flight 77 and inside the Pentagon.

Trump Marks 25 Years Since 9/11 With Solemn Vow: ‘We Will Never, Ever Forget’

[Video below.] President Donald Trump marked the 25th anniversary of the September 11 terrorist attacks on Friday with a solemn address at the Pentagon, paying tribute to the nearly 3,000 people murdered that day, honoring the extraordinary heroism displayed amid the devastation, and pledging that America will never allow the memory of the victims to fade. Joined by First Lady Melania Trump, the President commemorated those killed at the World Trade Center, the Pentagon and aboard United Airlines Flight 93, while emphasizing the obligation to remain vigilant against terrorism a quarter-century after the attacks. “Today we renew the sacred oath that we first swore in their names, a quarter of a century ago,” Trump said during a ceremony at the Pentagon. “We will never, ever forget.” Reflecting on the passage of a full generation since September 11, 2001, Trump said the passage of time has done nothing to diminish the horror of what occurred or the place that day occupies in the nation’s history. “Twenty-five times we have gathered at this hallowed place and at Ground Zero in New York, in a lonely field near Shanksville, Pennsylvania,” Trump said. “In 25 years, a generation has passed since the terror attacks of September 11th, 2001, yet time has not dimmed the horror of that day when our country came face-to-face with true evil.” Trump then recounted the events of that Tuesday morning, including the departure of American Airlines Flight 77 and its eventual hijacking and crash into the Pentagon at 9:37 a.m. “With the events of that morning, 2,977 beautiful souls were ripped from our world, and many more died in the weeks and years after,” Trump said. “For anyone who lived it, no words can do justice to the anguish of that day,” he added. The President also focused on the individual stories behind the staggering death toll, recalling Patrick Dennehy, who was working in the World Trade Center’s South Tower when the North Tower was struck. Dennehy called his pregnant wife, Mary, from his office following the initial attack. She would subsequently watch on television as United Airlines Flight 175 slammed into the South Tower. “Free people must never avert their eyes from such hideous cruelty,” Trump said. “We cannot forget that moment of immense and horrible evil.” But Trump said September 11 is remembered not only for the brutality of the terrorists, but also for the remarkable courage and selflessness Americans displayed in response. “On days like 9/11, we learned what a country is truly made of,” he said. “Americans are made of a goodness in spirit that can transcend any earthly force.” Trump recalled the heroic passengers and crew aboard Flight 93, who fought the hijackers after learning what had happened to other aircraft that morning. Their resistance prevented the terrorists from reaching their intended target before the plane crashed in a field near Shanksville, Pennsylvania. The President specifically remembered passenger Todd Beamer, who recited the Lord’s Prayer before joining his fellow passengers in their attempt to storm the cockpit. “And then he said his last words, ‘Let’s roll,'” Trump said. “We remember the many lives lost on 9/11,” he continued. “We also give thanks for the countless lives saved by the immortal heroes of Flight 93.” Trump also recalled the extraordinary national unity that emerged in the hours and days after the attacks, saying political, geographic and other differences suddenly seemed insignificant. “We were all New Yorkers that day, every one of us,” he said. “But we were also all Americans. We were all family. We were all patriots.” The President then turned to one of the iconic images from the Pentagon following the attack: an enormous American flag unfurled over the damaged building. That same flag was displayed during Friday’s 25th-anniversary ceremony, with firefighters Joseph Morabito, Scott Morgan and Karl Solberg — who helped raise it following the 2001 attack — present for the commemoration. “The enemy might destroy what American hands had built, but they could not touch the fight and the fire and the love in our great American hearts,” Trump said. Trump also honored the millions of Americans who served in the U.S. military during the quarter-century that followed 9/11 and the wars launched in response to the attacks. “For 25 years, our best and bravest have kept America safe,” he said. “And today we salute every member of the United States military who served in the war on terror.” The President then connected the lessons of September 11 with the current U.S. confrontation with Iran, saying American forces remain committed to preventing Tehran from acquiring a nuclear weapon. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth also addressed Iran during Friday’s Pentagon commemoration. “We salute the service members working right now to ensure the world’s number one sponsor of terror, the Islamic Republic of Iran, will never, ever have a nuclear weapon,” Trump said. Another significant portion of Trump’s address was devoted to the story of FDNY firefighter Timothy “Timmy” Stackpole. Stackpole had nearly lost his life in a 1998 Brooklyn fire, suffering severe burns before undergoing a lengthy recovery. Despite his injuries, he fought his way back to active duty with the FDNY. On September 11, 2001, Stackpole responded to the World Trade Center and was killed while carrying out his duties. “The greatest high you can ever get in life is by helping someone and making a difference,” Trump quoted Stackpole as saying. Trump recognized Stackpole’s widow, Tara, and their children, noting that several members of the family went on to serve their country in the military or follow their father’s example of public service. The President said the country cannot know when it will be confronted by another moment of unimaginable tragedy, but it can determine the values and character with which it responds. “No one can ever prepare for a day like 9/11, but we can always choose to be the kind of nation the world saw in those days after,” Trump said. “We can raise our children to know that their country is good, that their fathers are brave, and that our flag is a symbol of justice and freedom,” he added. Trump concluded his address by contrasting the hatred that drove the September 11 terrorists with the resilience displayed by Americans during the 25 years that followed. “September 11th reminded us of the terrible power of hate,” Trump said. “The 25 years since have shown us the even greater power of the American spirit to endure and prevail and to win.” The President predicted that long after those who personally remember September 11 are gone, future generations will continue to tell the stories of those who were murdered and those who risked — and in many cases sacrificed — their lives trying to save others. “They will still honor the heroes of 9/11/2001, who no age will erase from the memory of time,” Trump said. “It will never, ever be forgotten. It will never be forgotten. And we can never forget.” WATCH: