Message from MTD President David Heindel
This year marks the 24th anniversary of September 11, 2001. Nearly a quarter century has passed, yet the pain, the memories, and the lessons remain as vivid as ever.
We all remember where we were that fateful moment—the instant the world stopped, and everything we knew seemed to change. The shock, the sorrow, and the silence are memories carried by each of us, etched deeply into our hearts and minds.
On this solemn anniversary, we honor the lives lost, the families forever changed, and the courage shown by first responders, service members, and ordinary citizens who answered the call in our nation’s darkest hour.
Among the many acts of heroism that day, one of the least known yet most remarkable was the role of the Merchant Marine and all mariners (including many SIU members) who joined the “Boatlift” — the largest maritime evacuation in U.S. history. Responding to the United States Coast Guard’s call, hundreds of vessels — ferries, tugboats, merchant ships, and private boats converged on New York Harbor.
Over the course of approximately nine hours, these courageous mariners helped evacuate more than 500,000 people from Lower Manhattan, rescuing strangers and neighbors alike, as they navigated through confusion, danger, and grief. They did so without hesitation. Their collective response — “deeds not words” — remains a powerful testament to the strength, compassion, and solidarity that define our nation and our maritime community.
Twenty-four years later, we recommit ourselves to never forgetting not only the loss, but also the unity, sacrifice, and spirit that rose in the fog of tragedy. May we honor the fallen and the unsung heroes on the water by building a future rooted in peace, justice, and compassion.