Courage, Unity, and Service After 9/11: A Legacy of Hope

Light in the Darkness

September 11, 2001, showed humanity at its worst — and its very best. Out of tragedy rose extraordinary acts of bravery, compassion, and unity. Families who lost so much, lawyers who dedicated their time freely, and organizations born in grief all came together to serve the families devastated in injury and mortality. These stories remind us that even in our darkest hours, the best in us will rise to allow hope to endure.

The Jersey Girls & The Strength of Motherhood

Among the most inspiring of the time were the women who became known as the “Jersey Girls” who I had the honor to represent before the 911 Victim’s Competition Fund. Having lost their husbands and the father of their children on 9/11, they refused to be defeated and remain silent. Instead, they learned the complexities of federal regulations, relentlessly pressed Congress for answers and championed the creation of the 9/11 Commission. Their advocacy reshaped national security policy and gave countless families a voice. They are remembered for their courage and transforming unthinkable grief into lasting change.

Trial Lawyers Care: The Nation’s Lawyers Unite

At the same time, attorneys from across the country created Trial Lawyers Care, a nonprofit supported by the American Association for Justice. Hundreds of trial lawyers — many leaving behind their practices — represented families before the 9/11 Victim Compensation Fund. They did this pro bono, never charging a single dollar. I vividly recall one lawyer who suspended his practice in South Dakota and moved to New Yrok where he worked tirelessly for first responders for 2 years with no compensation. Together, the Trial Lawyers Care organization secured billions in compensation to provide for children’s education, keep families in their homes and preserve dignity for those who had lost so much.

More than 25 years later, Trial Lawyers Care continues its mission representing others in need , proving that the law can be a tool of compassion as well as justice.

Tunnel to Towers: A Living Legacy of Compassion

From 9/11 also came the Tunnel to Towers Foundation, created in honor of FDNY firefighter Stephen Siller, who ran through the Brooklyn Battery Tunnel with 60 pounds of gear to reach the Twin Towers. Tunnels to Towers represents the sacrifices of those first responders who gave selflessly in order to help their fellow Americans. Thier sacrifice became the spark for a movement that continues today:

• Mortgage-free smart homes for catastrophically injured veterans and first responders

• Veterans Villages providing permanent housing and supportive services

• Programs to ensure those who served never face homelessness alone.

Tunnel to Towers is a shining example of how tragedy can be transformed into service — a legacy that continues to change lives nationwide.

The Best of Us

What unites the Jersey Girls, Trial Lawyers Care, Tunnel to Towers and many others is their patriotism, compassion and selflessness. They did not act for recognition or reward, but because it was right and just. Their courage and compassion give us something to hold onto when despair threatens, to cherish when loss feels overwhelming and to inspire hope when the world seems dark.

Never Forget

As we honor those lost on 9/11 including now thousands of first responders who continue to die from 911 related cancers , let us also honor those who rose in its aftermath. May we put aside our divisions, stand against tyranny and hate, and choose compassion and kindness toward one another. The courage of the Jersey Girls, the dedication of Trial Lawyers Care, and the ongoing mission of Tunnel to Towers reminds us that even in tragedy, humanity’s best will shine through.

Never Forget!