“It’s extremely important that we remember 9/11, especially those who weren’t yet born. We saw the world at its worst, but the way we responded represents America at its best. Keeping Our Nation’s Promise captures this as well as any book I’ve read.”

—George Pataki, Governor of New York, 1995–2006

“Chris Meek and Dave Jarecki do a masterful job of recounting the service and sacrifices ordinary Americans made in the aftermath of the 9/11 attacks, of the unity the attacks fostered in our country, and of our promise to never forget the 2,977 victims and their families. It’s a timely read for the 250th anniversary of our country and the 25th observance of those attacks.”

—General George W. Casey Jr. (Ret.), Chief of staff, United States Army, 2007–2011

“Keeping Our Nation’s Promise challenges us to reflect on what we promised one another and on how we continue to live that promise today. It is both a tribute and a call to action—personal, moving, and profoundly important.”

—LTG Patricia D. Horoho, USA (Ret.), Surgeon general, United States Army, and commanding general of the US Army Medical Command, 2011–2015

“Whether directly affected or observing from afar, our world paused in horror and sadness on 9/11. Keeping Our Nation’s Promise is a poignant and powerful reflection of the day and the era. We must always remember the sacrifices. I know I will.”

—Boomer Esiason, NFL MVP, 1988, and Walter Payton Man of the Year, 1995

“Keeping Our Nation’s Promise reminds us that 9/11 was a day of loss and a test of who we are. Through intimate and deeply reported profiles, this book honors those who died and those who responded. It challenges us to consider what service and responsibility mean today. This book underscores a deep truth: Resilience is not an individual act but a shared endeavor. In remembering, we strengthen our national character and capacity to meet the complex challenges of the future.”

—Jane Holl Lute, Deputy secretary of the US Department of Homeland Security, 2009–2013

“With profiles of first responders, survivors, public servants, military personnel, and families, Keeping Our Nation’s Promise highlights the quiet strength that helped carry our country through an unimaginable moment.”

—Ari Fleischer, White House press secretary, 2001–2003

“A quarter century has passed since the horrific events that unfolded on September 11, 2001. Chris Meek and Dave Jarecki’s book proves there is still much to learn from the people who lost their lives that day, their families, and survivors. Keeping Our Nation’s Promise masterfully and tenderly weaves together stories of leadership, sacrifice, and resilience to produce a meaningful history.”

—Justin Baer, Writer and editor for The Wall Street Journal, and author of House of Fidelity

“Public life often asks leaders to speak about unity and service. Those values are best understood through the lives of people who embody them when circumstances demand it most. Keeping Our Nation’s Promise brings together stories that show what courage and responsibility look like in practice. I’m grateful to be a part of this book.”

—Rear Admiral Michael Day, USCG (Ret.)

“Keeping Our Nation’s Promise reflects so closely my own story of survival on and after 9/11. The experiences in this book have yet to fully heal our hearts but allow us to move through each moment with love and grace.”

—Mikaila “Michelle” Cruz, Ground Zero survivor

“Hope is an important thing. I believe Keeping Our Nation’s Promise is a book about hope. Even the stories that are set in the moment of the 9/11 attacks will carry forward in a timeless and meaningful way.”

—Joe Fox, NYPD chief (Ret.)

“Keeping Our Nation’s Promise reminds us that words like resilience and legacy aren’t just slogans and that memory deserves more than occasional headlines. The book’s call to action is about remembering as an ongoing act, which is particularly important for post-9/11 generations.”

—Richard Jacobsen, Former president & CEO, Time Warner Retail and Time Inc. Retail