President's Commentary: 25 Years Since September 11

A quarter of a century. Just one-tenth of the 250 years since America’s founding fathers dared to imagine a free nation. For many around the world, the memories and emotions of that day 25 years ago remain as vivid as yesterday: the morning the clear sky turned dark and, in just moments, nearly 3,000 innocent lives were taken. It was an unconscionable act of terror intended to shake up democracy, divide people and instill fear for years to come.

But we did not break.

September 11 marked the beginning of a new era, one defined by resolve over fear, vigilance over complacency and action born from grief. It rallied not only the United States but its allies, prompting NATO’s first and only invocation of Article 5 and reinforcing a shared commitment: never again.

The generation that answered the call that day is steadily passing the torch. A new generation now stands ready to lead, many of whom know September 11 only through history. It is our responsibility to ensure they understand not only what happened, but why we serve and the purpose that continues to unite us.

Today, those who serve in uniform and their civilian counterparts operate with some of the most advanced capabilities ever developed. The Department of Homeland Security, established in the wake of September 11, continues to safeguard the homeland through technologies that have become essential to national and global security. The intelligence community has achieved remarkable success in leveraging emerging technology to detect, inform and respond at the most critical moments.

Artificial intelligence, for one, is transforming national defense. Intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities are advancing at unprecedented speed and scale. Additional emerging technologies include unmanned and autonomous systems, which are reshaping warfare, while cyber and space have become essential domains of military operations. Secure communications, trusted networks and information sharing across organizations, partners and allies have become as critical as any weapons system.

Which brings me to another recognition. The lessons, and the ensuing solutions and policy changes, that emerged from September 11 underscore the importance of the purpose of this organization, observing 80 years of collaboration among government, academia and industry. Following World War II, AFCEA International was founded by leaders who understood that security depended on collaboration and innovation, that the right people, connected by the right ideas, could create an international ecosystem that made the world more secure.

Our purpose has never been more important. The future of innovation depends not only on emerging technologies, but on the people who create them, the leaders who guide them and the partners who bring them from concept to capability.

Warfighters fight across every domain, from the depths of the ocean to the reaches of space. Through collaboration with our allies and advances in communications, data and information sharing, we can connect the dots in ways that were unimaginable 25 years ago.

The world changed following World War II. It changed on September 11, 2001, but the values that carried us forward did not.

This message is one of gratitude: for firefighters, police officers, military members, first responders, intelligence professionals, educators and every civilian whose service and sacrifice have strengthened global security. Even the most advanced technology can only deliver on its promise through the people who develop it, employ it and prepare the next generation to carry the mission forward.

To every AFCEA chapter, volunteer leader, member and industry partner around the world: thank you. The challenges ahead will require the same commitment, collaboration and sense of purpose that have defined AFCEA for 80 years and carried our nation forward for the past 25.

On that fateful September morning, as lieutenant colonel, I happened to be in the Pentagon during the attack. Although surreal, that day solidified the importance of military service and reinforced my commitment to the true meaning of the set of ideals that underpin who we are and what we stand for as a nation.

May we forever honor those we lost, those who answered the call, their families and those who continue to serve. May we never forget. 

United, we stand.