September 11: Remembrance and Reflection

Graceland Community,

September 11, 2026, marks the 25th anniversary of the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. It also falls during the year in which the United States commemorates the 250th anniversary of its founding. It is fitting that we reflect upon these two important anniversaries together—remembering the 2,977 people who lost their lives while also considering the principles our nation has sought to uphold across its history.

On this September 11, Graceland will commemorate each person killed in the attacks by placing 2,977 flags on the lawn beside Founders Lake. The F.M. Smith Library will also host displays about September 11 that will be open to the public. Each flag represents an individual life: a family member, friend, colleague, and neighbor whose absence continues to be felt.

Two hundred and fifty years ago, our nation was born out of conflict and dedicated to truths its founders declared to be self-evident: “that all men are created equal” and endowed by their Creator with the unalienable rights of “Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.” These principles have challenged each generation to make the promise of America more fully real for every person.

During the past 250 years, our democratic republic has endured war, division, depression, injustice, and terrorist attacks. It has endured because generations of Americans have remained committed not only to our nation, but also to one another.

As we remember the lives lost on September 11, may we also remember the courage, compassion, sacrifice, and unity demonstrated in the days that followed. President George W. Bush observed during the National Day of Prayer and Remembrance that “Goodness, remembrance, and love have no end.” Twenty-five years later, those words still call us to remember well and to care for one another.

At Graceland, our mission calls us to prepare people for meaningful lives of service and leadership, while our commitment to community reminds us of the inherent worth of every person. On this day of remembrance, may we live those values through compassion for one another and a renewed commitment to the betterment of our world.

In the words of Abraham Lincoln, may we dedicate ourselves anew to the unfinished work before us and resolve “that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth.”