WHEREAS, on the morning of September 11, 2001, terrorists affiliated with the extremist group al-Qaeda hijacked four commercial airplanes, executing a coordinated attack against the United States that resulted in the deaths of 2,977 innocent people and injured thousands more;WHEREAS, the attackers flew two of the hijacked planes into the "Twin Towers" of the World Trade Center in New York City, with American Airlines Flight 11 striking the North tower and United Airlines Flight 175 striking the South tower, causing both towers to collapse within hours and devastating the surrounding area;WHEREAS, in the immediate aftermath of the attacks on the World Trade Center, hundreds of firefighters, police officers, paramedics, and emergency personnel rushed into the burning towers to rescue those trapped inside, demonstrating extraordinary courage and selflessness;WHEREAS, the New York City Fire Department suffered the single greatest loss of life in its history with 343 firefighters perishing in the line of duty and one New York Fire Patrol member, within the New York City Police Department and the Port Authority Police Department, 23 and 37 officers respectively gave their lives in the line of duty, and eight emergency medical technicians and paramedics also gave their lives responding to the crisis;WHEREAS, the attackers flew the third plane, American Airlines Flight 77, into the Pentagon, the headquarters of the United States military in Arlington, Virginia, causing a large fire and a significant collapse of the Western portion of the Pentagon;WHEREAS, passengers and crew on the fourth plane, United Airlines Flight 93, after learning of the earlier attacks, heroically attempted to retake control of the hijacked plane, leading to the plane crashing in a field near Shanksville, Pennsylvania, preventing the fourth attack from reaching a target;WHEREAS, the attacks were the deadliest terrorist act in world history and the most lethal foreign attack on American soil since the bombing of Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941;WHEREAS, the events of September 11, 2001, led to a nationwide state of emergency, the grounding of all civilian aircraft for the first time in American history, and a global outpouring of grief and solidarity;WHEREAS, in the days and weeks following the attacks, Americans demonstrated extraordinary unity, resilience, and compassion, with millions participating in vigils, blood drives, and volunteer efforts to support victims and their families;WHEREAS, the attacks prompted significant changes in United States domestic and foreign policy, including the creation of the Department of Homeland Security, the implementation of the USA PATRIOT Act, and the initiation of military operations in Afghanistan and later Iraq;WHEREAS, the long-term consequences of the attacks have shaped global counterterrorism strategies, intelligence sharing, and international cooperation, while also raising complex questions about civil liberties, national security, and global conflict;WHEREAS, the legacy of September 11 continues to affect survivors, first responders, and military personnel, many of whom suffer from long-term physical and psychological effects, including fatal cancers and respiratory illnesses as well as post-traumatic stress disorder;WHEREAS, memorials such as the National September 11 Memorial and Museum in New York City, the Pentagon Memorial in Arlington, and the Flight 93 National Memorial in Pennsylvania serve as enduring tributes to the lives lost and the heroism displayed;WHEREAS, the courage and heroism displayed by first responders, emergency personnel, and ordinary citizens on that day and in the days that followed exemplify the resilience and unity of the American spirit;WHEREAS, the 25th anniversary of the September 11 attacks in 2026 presents a solemn opportunity to educate younger generations, ensuring the preservation of the memory of the day and the resulting lessons; andWHEREAS, remembering the events of September 11 is essential to honor the victims and heroes and also to reaffirm our collective commitment to freedom, democracy, and the values that unite us as a nation:NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Legislature of the state of Utah, the Governor concurring therein, commemorates the 25th anniversary of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks and honors the memory of the victims and the bravery of those who responded.BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Legislature and the Governor encourage all local governments in Utah to observe September 11, 2026, with appropriate ceremonies, moments of silence, and community events that reflect on the significance of the day.BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Legislature and the Governor urge all public and private schools in Utah to mark the anniversary with age-appropriate educational activities, discussions, and remembrances that foster understanding, empathy, and civic awareness.BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Legislature and the Governor call upon all Utahns to take time on September 11, 2026, to reflect on the values that unite us, honor those who were lost, and reaffirm our commitment to a free and just society.