DHS Recommits to Our Mission to Safeguarding the American People, Our Homeland, and Our Values
This week, we mark the 20th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks, and mourn the nearly 3,000 lives taken too soon. The people who perished in the World Trade Center, the Pentagon, and Shanksville—including the heroic first responders who gave their lives to help others—left behind loved ones and communities who were never again the same. In the years since, more than 2,000 more were lost to 9/11-related illnesses as a result of working in hazardous conditions during recovery operations. We honor their lives and their memory on this solemn occasion, and mourn what we all lost on that terrible day.
As we mark the 20th anniversary of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, DHS honors the memory of those who lost their lives by serving our mission with dedication. We remain committed to working together across every level of government to keep our Nation safe from evolving threats, both foreign and domestic.
During this solemn anniversary, the Department is commemorating in a number of ways.
On Wednesday, September 8th, Secretary Alejandro N. Mayorkas planted a seedling from the 9/11 Survivor Tree that the Department of Homeland Security received. Secretary Mayorkas was joined by survivors, first responders, victim families, and military veterans.
A Callery pear tree became known as the “Survivor Tree” after enduring the September 11, 2001 terror attacks at the World Trade Center. Today, the tree stands as a living reminder of resilience, survival, and rebirth. Each year, the 9/11 Memorial gives seedlings from the Survivor Tree to three communities that have endured tragedy in recent years, as well as communities that have committed to nurturing these trees to serve as landmarks symbolizing resiliency and hope.
This week, we invite you to join us in lighting a virtual memorial candle on our website in honor of the victims of September 11th.
DHS remembers September 11, 2001, and remains vigilant in our shared efforts to combat the threats of today and tomorrow alongside our partners. Together, we will continue to protect, serve, and safeguard the American people, our homeland, and our values.