25th Anniversary of September 11 and the National Day of Service

This year marks 25 years since the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. Today, we honour the nearly 3,000 innocent lives lost and recognize the National Day of Service, a day to turn grief into purpose and action.   

York Regional Council and The Regional Municipality of York will forever remember the thousands of lives taken too soon and the families and communities that changed forever. The memories of that day continue to shape how we understand courage, compassion and the care we show for one another. 

The National Day of Service honours victims and those who responded by keeping their spirits alive through acts of giving back. This day encourages people to step outside their routine and take part in a charitable service, a small act of kindness or meaningful community engagement. Each gesture, no matter how simple, becomes part of a larger story of hope and humanity.  

This day also serves as a reminder of resilience. It reflects the strength shown by first responders whose heroic actions saved lives and inspired the world around them. To them, and to the first responders who serve in our communities today, we offer our deepest thanks for your commitment and sacrifice.  

In the face of unimaginable loss, people reached for one another. Strangers became neighbours who offered comfort, a sense of belonging and reminded each other that togetherness steadies us even in our hardest moments. 

Moments of tragedy often bring people together, yet the deeper lesson is this connection should not be reserved for difficult times. Communities grow stronger when support is steady, when kindness is part of everyday life and when we choose to look out for one another long before we are tested. In Canada, and here in York Region, this day reaffirms our commitment to belonging, unity and the belief we are stronger together.  

On behalf of Regional Council and more than 1.3 million people who call our communities home, we remember the lives lost, we honour the heroes who stepped forward and we commit ourselves to service that supports our community.

Eric Jolliffe
York Region Chairman and CEO

                                                                -30-

Media Contact: 
Corporate Communications, The Regional Municipality of York
Phone: 1-877-464-9675, ext. 71234 
[email protected]