Six years ago today, at this very moment, the world forever changed. The hijacked American Airlines Flight 11 crashed into the the North Tower of One World Trade Center in New York City, in a deliberate terrorist attack. By days end, we would lose nearly 3,000 brave souls in New York, Washington, DC, and Shanksville, Penn., and America would be at war.

Today, we once again honor those victims and their sacrifice. We honor their families and we honor those who have laid down their life fighting for this great country since that day.

This somber day is our day to remember, to pray, and to hope for the future. And this somber day is our day to give reverence to the promise we made six years ago, that we will never forget.

There will be a Freedom Walk in Columbia today at 11:30 a.m. from the State House to Finlay Park. Attendees are asked to meet at the State House steps no later than 11:15 a.m. Following the event there will be a brief service at Finlay Park. The national 9/11 memorial will also be on display from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Finlay Park.