Twenty-five years after the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, Gov. Kay Ivey is calling on Alabamians to remember the nearly 3,000 people killed and make sure a new generation understands what happened that day.

Ivey released a video message Thursday ahead of Friday’s 25th anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks, reflecting on the lives lost in New York City, at the Pentagon and aboard United Airlines Flight 93 in Pennsylvania.

“The pain and the loss of that day were so deep and enduring that the scars remain with us today,” Ivey said. “Nearly 3,000 Americans from all walks of life perished on September the 11th.”

Among the victims were Alabamians.

Ivey also recalled the response of first responders and the unity Americans demonstrated in the aftermath of the attacks.

“Yet, in midst of that terrible day, we Americans rose up united and stood strong,” she said. “We resolved to overcome the evil of that day and never forget those we lost.”

A quarter-century later, Ivey said preserving the memory of Sept. 11 takes on added importance as more young Americans have no personal memory of the attacks.

“We must ensure our young generations know what happened on September 11, 2001,” Ivey said. “We must never forget. We will always remember.”

Ivey has also directed flags throughout Alabama to be flown at half-staff Friday in observance of Patriot Day and in honor of the victims.

Sept. 11 was designated Patriot Day by Congress following the attacks, with the annual observance honoring those killed and the first responders who answered the call that day.

Flags in Alabama will remain at half-staff from sunrise to sunset Friday.

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