Creative Commons/Anthony Quintano

When terrorists attacked our American homeland on Sept. 11, 2001, our first responders ran toward the danger. Toward the danger. Never away from it. Our heroes’ values of bravery, of service above self, and of solidarity can never be forgotten. And never will be, 19 years later, or ever.

Working people in every sector of labor embodied those values as they searched tirelessly through the rubble, caring for survivors of every race, color and creed, and rebuilding what had been damaged but could never be destroyed: the United States. Our heroes that day – and for days and years after that terrible Tuesday – gave all of us an example of service before self.

Our heroes united us. Our heroes healed us.

Today, we honor those whose lives were stolen 19 years ago. Today, we honor and thank everyone whose lives and values shone a light in the darkness of Sept. 11, 2001.