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
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Vicki Veenker
Mayor
Proclamation