Twenty-five years ago, the attacks of September 11, 2001, changed the lives of nearly every American. For those who were at the Pentagon, in New York City, serving overseas, or representing our nation abroad, the events of that day were immediate and deeply personal.
For this anniversary, National Security Leaders for America asked five people with close connections to September 11, to reflect on what they remember—not only about the fear and loss of that day, but about what happened afterward. Their experiences were very different. Yet their memories converge on something America desperately needed then, and perhaps needs again today: UNITY.
Deb Monroe was a Defense Intelligence Agency intelligence officer working in the Pentagon on September 11. A career DIA officer who would eventually serve for more than 25 years, Monroe experienced the attack on the building where she worked and lost friends and colleagues that day. What remains especially vivid to her is September 12: Americans standing in lines to give blood for the wounded, even as she knew some of those she cared about were already gone.
Former Navy Secretary Carlos Del Toro, then a Commander in the Navy, was in New York City preparing for the commissioning of the Navy’s newest guided-missile destroyer, USS Bulkeley, which he commanded. He witnessed firsthand the destruction of the World Trade Center—and the response of ordinary Americans and first responders. Less than three months later, Del Toro brought Bulkeley back to New York, the first Navy ship to return to the city after the attacks, where its crew rendered honors to those who had been lost.
Vice Admiral John Morgan, USN (Ret), then a Rear Admiral, was halfway around the world, commanding the USS Enterprise carrier battle group. The force had finished operations in the Persian Gulf and was beginning its voyage home when news of the attacks arrived. Morgan ordered the battle group to reverse course and head toward the coast of Pakistan. Weeks later, aircraft from Enterprise flew some of the opening strikes of Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan.
Ambassador John Feeley (Ret.), a former Marine helicopter pilot who became a career diplomat, began an assignment at the U.S. Embassy in Mexico City, where he served as deputy political counselor. He would later describe those first days and months after September 11 as a period in which the United States and Mexico had to reconsider together how neighboring democracies confront terrorism while protecting the societies and principles they defend.
Colonel David Lapan, USMC (Ret), then a Lieutenant Colonel, was a Marine Corps public affairs officer serving as a Pentagon spokesman. Before September 11, he was explaining military policy and operations to the American public; in the weeks that followed, that responsibility suddenly took on a very different significance as the United States began military operations in Afghanistan. He would go on to spend much of his career communicating during some of the most consequential military operations of the post-9/11 era.
What they remember, however, is about more than where they were.
They remember first responders running toward danger. Americans lining up to give blood. Sailors ready to answer the nation’s call. Citizens helping strangers. A country grieving together and, for a time, setting aside the differences that so often divide us.
As the video reminds us, we were unified—as citizens, as patriots, as leaders, and above all, as Americans.
Twenty-five years later, remembering September 11 also means remembering September 12—and asking whether we can find that sense of common purpose again.
Having spent 2 weeks in NYC providing MSCA for 2’weeks in the aftermath, we must never forget how proud we were to unite as Americans with a common goal.