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Concurrent Resolution Concerning Remembrances of the 25th Anniversary of the 9/11 Attacks
2026 GENERAL SESSION
STATE OF UTAH
Chief Sponsor: Lincoln Fillmore
House Sponsor: Ryan D. Wilcox
LONG TITLE
General Description:
This resolution commemorates the 25th anniversary of the September 11, 2001, terrorist
attacks and encourages statewide observance and education.
Highlighted Provisions:
This resolution:
recognizes the profound impact of the September 11 attacks on the United States and the
world;
honors the victims, first responders, and all those affected; and
encourages local governments and schools to mark the 25th anniversary with appropriate
remembrances and educational activities.
Money Appropriated in this Bill:
None
Other Special Clauses:
None
Be it resolved by the Legislature of the state of Utah, the Governor concurring therein:
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; and
WHEREAS, 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.
12-30-25 4:42 PM