We must never forget the Pennsylvania connection to Sept. 11. With the most recent commemoration held last week, officials here are looking to next year — the 25th anniversary of the dark day for America.

Last week, the Shapiro Administration invited Pennsylvania communities to join the September 11th National Memorial Trail Alliance in honoring the heroes and events of September 11, 2001. Leading up to the 25th anniversary in 2026, Gov. Josh Shapiro directed the Pennsylvania Departments of Transportation (PennDOT) and Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) to work with local governments to designate on-road and off-road segments as part of the 1,500-mile trail linking the World Trade Center, the Pentagon, and the Flight 93 Memorial in Somerset County. The Shapiro Administration has sent letters to over 100 municipalities to encourage them to join this effort.

“Pennsylvania is proud to honor the heroes who ran towards danger to keep Americans safe and remember the lives lost on September 11, 2001,” said Shapiro. “The 9/11 National Memorial Trail provides a meaningful way for communities across our Commonwealth to connect, reflect, and pay tribute. By completing this trail, we ensure that residents and visitors alike can walk, bike, and explore while remembering the courage, sacrifice, and resilience that defines our nation.”

The 9/11 National Memorial Trail passes through 25 Pennsylvania counties and 129 municipalities. Communities can view the trail’s path, including its route through their area, on the Alliance’s website at 911trail.org. The Alliance has made significant progress developing the trail route, working with PennDOT to identify locations for nearly 750 signs that will aid navigation along roughly 900 miles of trail in Pennsylvania.

Though this effort targets the southern and central portion of the state, the importance of what happened then will always be remembered — across this state and throughout our nation.