The following is a message from Newport News Shipbuilding President Jennifer Boykin regarding the 21st anniversary of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.

Sunday marked 21 years since the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks rocked our nation.

Like many of you, I still remember exactly where I was and exactly how I felt at this fateful moment. Even in remembering, I can feel the shock, horror and unspeakable pain. But I also remember how we pulled together as Americans and showed strength and resilience in the face of overwhelming grief. Newport News shipbuilders handed out American flags in the days following the attacks as a way for shipbuilders to show their patriotism.

This somber anniversary is an important reminder of the role of shipbuilders in our nation’s defense. Our mission is critical. U.S. Navy sailors and our entire nation depend on us and the aircraft carriers and submarines we deliver. In fact, two NNS-built aircraft carriers – USS George Washington (CVN 73) and the first USS John F. Kennedy (CV 67) – were positioned off the East Coast within hours of the attacks to protect Washington, D.C., and New York.

I hope you all will join me in remembering those lost and honoring those who stepped up in the face of national tragedy. I also hope you will continue to share your personal 9/11 story with fellow shipbuilders and others, especially those who were very young – or hadn’t yet been born – when the attacks occurred. We must never forget.