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Greetings!
Twenty-five years ago, on September 11, 2001, I was living and working here in Chicago when our nation was attacked. Like so many Americans, I remember the shock, fear, sadness, and uncertainty of that day. We watched events unfold that were almost impossible to comprehend, knowing that thousands of families were facing unimaginable loss.
At the time, I was not yet a state representative. I was a Chicagoan, an educator, a businessman, and a father concerned about my family, my community, and my country. I remember how suddenly the things that divide us seemed so small compared with what united us as Americans. People prayed together, gave blood, checked on neighbors, thanked first responders, displayed the American flag, and looked for ways to help people they had never met.
Twenty-five years later, I still believe unity holds an important lesson.
Today, September 11, 2026, marks the 25th anniversary of the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, a day that forever changed our nation and the lives of countless families.
On this Patriot Day, we pause to remember the 2,977 innocent lives lost at the World Trade Center, the Pentagon, and aboard Flight 93. We honor their families, whose lives were forever changed, and recognize the firefighters, police officers, emergency medical personnel, members of our Armed Forces, and ordinary citizens who showed extraordinary courage and selflessness that day and in the years since.
As an Illinois State Representative, I also want to remember, by name, the Illinoisans whose lives were taken from us that day.
Based on the records and historical accounts we have researched, we remember:
- Kathy Bantis of Chicago
- Andrea Lynn Haberman, who was living in Chicago
- Suzanne Kondratenko of Chicago
- Darya Lin of Chicago
- Vanessa Kolpak of Lincolnwood
- Mari-Rae Sopper of Naperville
- Christine Olender of Chicago
- Lt. Darin Pontell of Arlington Heights
- Susan “Sue” Sauer of Chicago
- Robert Arthur Rasmussen of Hinsdale
- Jeffrey “Jeff” Peter Mladenik of Hinsdale
- Lt. Cmdr. Patrick Jude Murphy, U.S. Navy, who grew up in Flossmoor
- Cmdr. Dan F. Shanower, U.S. Navy, of Naperville
- Chip Chan of Peoria
- Mary Lenz Wieman of Arlington Heights
We speak their names because they were more than victims of a national tragedy. They were Illinoisans. They were our neighbors. They were part of families, workplaces, congregations, and communities. They had dreams, plans, loved ones, and people who loved them.
We have worked to research and identify the names of Illinoisans who lost their lives on September 11, and we sincerely hope we have not unintentionally omitted anyone from this remembrance. If there is another Illinois victim whose name should be included, we honor that person as well. Every life matters, every family matters, and every name deserves to be remembered.
Twenty-five years later, an entire generation of Americans has grown up without a personal memory of September 11. That makes our responsibility to remember, educate, and preserve the history and stories of that day even more urgent. We must teach future generations not only about the tragedy and the lives lost, but also about the courage, sacrifice, service, and unity that emerged in its aftermath.
September 11 is also recognized as a National Day of Service and Remembrance. I encourage all Americans to honor those we lost by serving others. Volunteer in your community. Help a neighbor. Thank a firefighter, police officer, EMT, veteran, or member of our Armed Forces. Support a family in need. Find a way, big or small, to strengthen the community around you.
As we remember September 11, we should also remember that patriotism is more than love of country—it is service to our country and to one another. It is a commitment to the principles that strengthen our democracy: freedom, justice, equality, opportunity, service, and respect for every person.
At a time when our nation can feel deeply divided, September 11 reminds us that there is far more that unites us than divides us. Our diversity is one of America's greatest strengths. We should never allow differences in race, religion, political party, neighborhood, or background to keep us from recognizing our common humanity and our shared responsibility to one another.
On this solemn 25th anniversary, I ask everyone to take a moment to remember those who never made it home, pray for and support the families who continue to carry their loss, and honor those who ran toward danger to save the lives of others.
May we honor their memories not only with our words but also with our actions—by serving our communities, protecting our democracy, caring for our neighbors, and working together to build a stronger, safer, and more compassionate United States of America.
Twenty-five years later, we remember their lives. We speak their names. We honor their sacrifice. We serve in their memory. We will never forget.
Sincerely,
La Shawn K. Ford
La Shawn K. Ford
Democratic Nominee for Congress
Illinois’ 7th Congressional District
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