Remembering 9/11 In 2016: Quotes To Help Everyone ‘Never Forget’ September 11, 2001 On The 15th Anniversary

It was 15 years ago that the United States of America experienced one of the most horrific and brutal attacks in human history. Four planes were hijacked by al-Qaeda on September 11, 2001, and changed the lives of everyone forever. It’s always said to “never forget” what happened on 9/11, but that phrase should be aimed more at who, rather than what. Folks should never forget those that lost their lives and did everything to help others and these quotes will help do just that.

While it isn’t to think that a full 15 years have already passed since that tragic day back in 9/11, that all goes along with never forgetting what truly happened. Not only did tragedy strike, but America came together to face adversity and band against those who tormented the nation.

15 YEARS LATER: Remembering the fallen first responders of 9/11 https://t.co/U7iSc2QdwF pic.twitter.com/yZNtDHxbi3

— New York Daily News (@NYDailyNews) September 10, 2016

A lot of these quotes are from the day of or the days that followed 9/11, but others have come over time since the fateful day. Some of them have come about on anniversaries or just random moments when 9/11 was being discussed or remembered.

Throughout the years, some have said that many deplorable things were said regarding 9/11, but it’s hard to read the following and think anything but care and unity. Not all generate those feelings, though, as some detail the happenings and strong feelings that came on that day as well.

“Now, we have inscribed a new memory alongside those others. It’s a memory of tragedy and shock, of loss and mourning. But not only of loss and mourning. It’s also a memory of bravery and self-sacrifice, and the love that lays down its life for a friend–even a friend whose name it never knew.” – President George W. Bush

“You can be sure that the American spirit will prevail over this tragedy.” – Colin Powell

“Commending the victims to almighty God’s mercy, I implore his strength upon all involved in rescue efforts and in caring for the survivors.” – Pope John Paul II

“All of a sudden there were people screaming. I saw people jumping out of the building. Their arms were flailing. I stopped taking pictures and started crying.” – Michael Walters, a freelance photojournalist in Manhattan

“Even the smallest act of service, the simplest act of kindness, is a way to honor those we lost, a way to reclaim that spirit of unity that followed 9/11.” – President Barack Obama (2011)

Metro put together a great collection of quotes that look back on that day and bring forth the spirit of the American people. Some of the quotes are very well known while others may very well be some of which you may have never heard.

“If we learn nothing else from this tragedy, we learn that life is short and there is no time for hate.” – Sandy Dahl, wife of Flight 93 pilot Jason Dahl, in Shanksville, PA (2002)

“The attacks of September 11th were intended to break our spirit. Instead, we have emerged stronger and more unified.” – Mayor Rudy Giuliani

“We’re young men. We’re not ready to die.” – Kevin Cosgrove, on the 105th floor of the World Trade Center’s south tower not long before it collapsed.

More than 3,000 children lost a parent on 9/11 https://t.co/CvaHGkui9o pic.twitter.com/0K6J5JW8nx

— CNN (@CNN) September 10, 2016

“We will win this struggle – not for glory, nor wealth, nor power, but for justice, for freedom, and for peace…so help us God.” – Tom Harkin

“Our flat honors those who have fought to protect it, and is a reminded of the sacrifice of our nation’s founders and heroes. As the ultimate icon of America’s storied history, the Stars and Stripes represents the very best of this nation.” – Joe Barton

“Americans never quit!” – Douglas MacArthur

There are still a lot of things that many may not fully understand or even know about from that day 15 years ago. Politico tells a great story of the eight hours after the Sept. 11 attacks and how Air Force One was “the only plane in the sky” during that time, and what President George Bush was actually doing.

“Freedom itself was attacked this morning by a faceless coward and freedom will be defended.” – President George W. Bush

Some may find it hard to believe that it has been 15 years since the violent and horrific attacks on 9/11 as the memories are still so fresh. For all those that lost their lives and for all those that gave all to help others, these quotes are to help remember everything about them and absolutely never forget what was given.

[Photo by Drew Angerer/Getty Images]