We remember so that we can protect the future.
We Exist to Uphold Six Pillars:
Foster Connections between Americans and the events of September 11, 2001.
Commemorate Milestones, most notably the 25th anniversary, and ensure they match the magnitude of the events’ significance.
Instill Unity and Patriotism by highlighting our shared history and collective strength.
Define “We Remember” and commit to educating future generations about the meaning behind the sentiment.
Educate and Raise Awareness about the long-lasting impacts of 9/11 on our daily lives.
Curate Stories of Heroism and Resilience from those who perished, survivors, and their loved ones.
Turning the Sentiment of “We Remember” Into Action:
The 9/11 Legacy Foundation challenges every American to ensure “We Remember” is more than just words, but a call to action. Since September 11, 2001, over 100 million Americans have been born or are too young to remember that day, leaving many disconnected from the unity it inspired.
We must always remember the selflessness of first responders, many of whom lost their lives or continue to suffer from 9/11-related health issues. We also must remember the sacrifices of service members in the Global War on Terror, with thousands killed and others facing the ongoing toll of mental health struggles.
We stand united in strength when working together, as we saw in the heroic efforts on 9/11. And we must remain vigilant against adversaries who seek to harm our democracy, as the lessons of 9/11 continue to remind us of the importance of national security.
We must always remember that America has adversaries who actively work to harm democracy and threaten our safety. History reminds us that threats like those posed by Osama bin Laden and al-Qaeda were identified before 9/11, yet went unheeded. From the first World Trade Center bombing in 1993 to the devastating events of September 11, 2001, transnational terrorism remained a growing threat. Today, even though our adversaries may look different, they still exist and pose a real danger.
The 9/11 Legacy Foundation reminds us that vigilance is key to preventing future attacks and protecting the safety of our nation. The cost of inaction and a lack of awareness is steep, as shown by the 2,977 lives lost on September 11, 2001 and the lasting consequences felt since that day.
Commemorating the 25th Anniversary of the Attacks
September 11, 2026 will mark the 25th anniversary of the attacks, likely the last major anniversary where a significant number of survivors will be able to participate. The 9/11 Legacy Foundation is committed to ensuring this milestone is commemorated in a way that reflects the magnitude of 9/11’s impact on American history. We are committed to supporting comprehensive efforts for events at the National September 11 Memorial, the Pentagon, the Flight 93 National Memorial, as well as nationwide.
Our 25th anniversary commemoration efforts are being led by a dedicated organizing committee, which includes leaders from various sectors. Along with major coordinated events, the committee will coordinate national media coverage and proposed actions from the highest levels of government.
In the aftermath of 9/11, Americans vowed to “Never Forget.” However, the 20th anniversary, affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, passed with little coordinated effort for a national remembrance. As our culture increasingly lets the memory of that day fade, the 9/11 Legacy Foundation believes it is crucial to continue telling the stories and lessons of 9/11 so that “We Remember.” Visit our Legacy Stories Wall to read the stories of those who perished, survivors, first responders, heroes, their loved ones and Americans across the country as part of our efforts to ensure these memories live on.
Respectfully commemorating the lives lost is our patriotic duty and is essential to honoring those forever changed by that day.
Why We Exist
Understanding Our Purpose: The Landscape of America Today
To understand the importance of the 9/11 Legacy Foundation, we must consider both our shared history and the current state of our nation. Since the events of September 11, 2001, over 100 million Americans have been born or are too young to remember that day—about one-third of our population. This growing disconnect threatens the unity and remembrance that followed in its immediate aftermath.
A Growing Disconnection
A 2017 audit found that only 26 states include 9/11 in their high school curricula, and just nine cover the Global War on Terror. A 2022 poll revealed that many young adults feel less connected to 9/11 than older generations, with some respondents unable to explain what “Never Forget” means to our nation. This disconnection became more apparent after the 22nd anniversary of the attacks, when TikTok videos sympathizing with Osama bin Laden’s 2002 “Letter to America” amassed over 14 million views, spreading harmful narratives.
An Exercise of Remembering
A 2023 poll showed that nearly 1 in 5 Americans aged 18-29 hold a “positive view” of bin Laden. According to experts like Carter Malkasian of the Naval Postgraduate School, America is undergoing an “exercise of forgetting.” At the 9/11 Legacy Foundation, we reject this notion. We are committed to an exercise of remembering—ensuring the lessons and stories of 9/11 continue to be passed down to future generations.
As Peter Fever, a political science professor at Duke University, aptly put it, “[9/11] has been taught but not felt.” While education and awareness efforts are crucial, we believe there is a unique opportunity, with a plurality of survivors still living, to capture and uplift their firsthand experiences. These stories of loss and heroism, along with the acts of human kindness on display, will help ensure that future generations feel the significance of 9/11, not just learn about it.
Join Us in Remembering
Help us ensure the stories of 9/11 live on for future generations.
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