There are days we remember forever; from the people we shared them with to the feelings they evoke. Most of these days are full of joy and celebration—a wedding, a birth, a graduation. Then, there is Sept. 11th, 2001. It is day etched in our collective memories. It left us saddened and stunned, and forever changed the context through which we see the world around us.

However, 9/11 did not end with us sunk in sadness. On that day, we also saw the best of us rise to the surface. On that day, first responders selflessly put themselves in harm’s way to aid and protect others, in some instances sacrificing their own lives in the process.

Our interagency incident management teams played a critical role in responding to 9/11 at both the Pentagon and the World Trade Center. Following the initial events, and as the recovery efforts got underway, our teams provided months of support and training for responders. After those tragic events, our own well-tested systems for emergency response were adopted by agencies around the world. 

Our nation and our agency both have a rich history of showing up in times of need, and 9/11 underscores our role in the world’s emergency response community. Kerry Greene, an emergency management specialist with the Fire and Aviation Management staff, described the role the Forest Service had in shaping our nation’s disaster preparedness framework in this 2017 article.  

Nature provides solace, and in 2002, Congress asked the Forest Service to create the Living Memorials Project which uses the power of trees to bring people together and create lasting, living memorials for the victims of 9/11. Our Northern Research Station lead the project, which aimed to amplify community actions after 9/11 and connect the common threads of expression and hope.

I am always proud of our agency’s service to our nation, but especially so on this National Day of Service and Remembrance. Our emergency response, during 9/11 and beyond, exemplifies that. We continue showing up, helping people find solace in public lands and responding to emergent needs such as inclement weather response and recovery, and fighting massive wildfires.

On this day, take time to remember the victims of 9/11. And take pride in how Forest Service employees have risen to meet challenges in the past and continue to contribute as global leaders today.

Editor's Note: Provide feedback about this column, submit questions, or suggest topics for future columns through the FS-Employee Feedback inbox.