25 years after the Islamic terror attacks of September 11, 2001, America is once again pausing to remember one of the darkest days in our nation's history - but have we truly kept our promise to never forget?

In this special anniversary episode of Holding the Line, LELDF President Jason Johnson and Director of Policy Sean Kennedy reflect on where they were when America came under attack—and on the fear, uncertainty, grief, sacrifice, and extraordinary unity that followed.

Jason shares his experience as a police officer living in the Washington, D.C. area on September 11, while Sean recalls watching the attacks unfold as a 17-year-old high school student in California. Together, they remember a country where strangers lined up to donate blood, churches filled, Americans thanked police officers and firefighters, and countless people asked one question: What can I do to help?

They also remember the extraordinary sacrifice of the first responders who ran toward danger as others fled.

Seventy-two law enforcement officers were killed on September 11, including 37 Port Authority police officers and 23 members of the NYPD. In the years since, hundreds more law enforcement officers have died from illnesses linked to their exposure at Ground Zero.

And the toll continues.

Today, Jason and Sean ask whether the unity Americans experienced in the aftermath of 9/11 has faded—and whether younger generations are being taught not only what happened that day, but what America witnessed in the days and weeks that followed.

What does “Never Forget” really mean?

Does it mean remembering the images of the attacks? The nearly 3,000 innocent people who were murdered? The first responders who gave their lives? The Americans who joined the military and public safety professions in the years that followed?

Or does it also mean remembering something else?

The way Americans came together and understood our common enemy—recognizing the evil we were fighting against.

This episode is a conversation—and a challenge—to remember.

Where were you on September 11, 2001?

What do you remember about the days that followed?

And, 25 years later, have we truly lived up to our promise to never forget?

We want to hear your memories. Share your stories and photos with us on social media at @LELDF.

Subscribe to Holding the Line: A Podcast About Cops, Courts, and Crime on your favorite podcast platform—and please leave us a five-star review.