Badlands Media - Badlands Media Special Coverage: 9/11/26 - DHS Dedicates Resilience Plaza on 9/11 Anniversary

Episode Date: September 11, 2026

On the 25th anniversary of September 11th, DHS gathers at its St. Elizabeth's headquarters to dedicate Resilience Plaza, a new space built around genuine artifacts of that day, twisted World Trade Center steel, the iconic upright trident, and unbroken limestone recovered from the Pentagon. Deputy Secretary Troy Edgar opens with a deeply personal story of being stranded overseas that morning and losing a close friend aboard one of the hijacked flights, before Secretary Mullen delivers a raw, emotional address on the department's mission, the terrorists arrested under the current administration, and a pointed message about sanctuary cities and national unity. Under Secretary Kavanaugh closes out the ceremony explaining the symbolism behind each artifact, followed by prayers, a moment of silence, and a formal dedication. This one is reflective and mission focused, less political theater and more a genuine look at how the department born from tragedy sees its purpose 25 years later.

The badlands, one of the badlands, explain those badlands. That's a hell of their name. Covered military personnel, ready to. I now invite Captain Jennifer Bowden, chaplain of the United States Coast Guard to deliver today's invocation. Let us pray. Almighty God, we gather today in humble reverence to mark 25 years since the tragic events of September 11th, 2001. We ask for your purpose.

presence to be among us as we pause to remember. We lift up in solemn honor the thousands of innocent lives lost, mothers, fathers, sons, daughters, colleagues, and friends. We remember the selfless bravery of the first responders, service members and everyday citizens who ran toward danger so that others might live. Comfort the families who continue to carry the weight of that sacrifice. Lord, it was from the ashes and grief of that fateful day

that the Department of Homeland Security was brought forth. As we reflect on our shared origins, deepen our unity and resolve our, renew our resolve, grant wisdom to our leaders, vigilance to our frontline workforce, and endurance for all those standing the watch this day. Bless our time together. May our remembrance be worthy of the sacrifices made

and our hearts be guided by your grace, peace, and unfailing strength. We pray in your holy name, Amen. Thank you, Chaplain Bowden. Please be seated. It is now my privilege to introduce Deputy Secretary of Homeland Security, Troy Aguirre. Morning everybody.

Hey, I just want to thank everybody for coming. Today we're here to do memory and remembrance of 9-11, but we're also here to dedicate the Visillian Plaza and a real big deal. And I'm just very grateful to be here. I want to acknowledge Secretary Mullen for being here, under Secretary of Management, Kavanaugh, and Roman, you and your team,

thank you for everything that you guys did and all the other distinguished guests that are here. Thank you very much. Like you, we were all affected by 9-11 at the time that it happened. So back in that time period, for me, I was a corporate guy traveling million miles all over the world, and I was going back and forth,

staying two to 300 nights a year, year in a hotel. So when 9-11 happened, definitely had an effect on me and my livelihood. And, you know, and I just remember getting dropped off the night of 9-10 and flying to London that day to arrive at 9-11 in London and then on to Ireland. And when I got to Ireland, I was with the chief financial officer of Fortune 500. We got off, went into a place of 300 people that we had just set up over there and everybody was watching the TV. And they were watching to see kind of what was happening. And again, I'm not in America, I'm in Ireland.

And everybody was just shocked. They didn't. And so this, only did it affect us personally, professionally now, all of us are here because of this event, but also it affected our communities, it affected our nation and it affected everything globally too. You know, probably the one thing that was really hard is that, like I said, everybody has their version of 9-11.

You know, something for me, when I realize, in Ireland, the whole center surrounded me as an American, and every night for two weeks because I was stuck there because the flight shut down, they came and picked me up and took me to dinner, their families, going through just because of the love for America. And they knew at that point, just like we know today, that things were going to change forever. The other thing that I would just personalize this, and this is why the resilience plaza and this artifact behind me so much, is that some of us lost family and friends.

friends and on the flight that morning I lost a really close business partner that was coming to meet me in Ireland on his way, but he came from San Jose to Boston and coming through that way and he ended up being on the UA flight that ended up going into the South Tower. He, you know, the hard part for me is when I got to my hotel room, confused a little bit about what's going on, wasn't really sure. I had a bunch of cell phone messages. And in those messages, I finally kind of sat down and caught up with my wife and everything that's going on.

And in the messages, there was some guy just yelling at me on the, like Troy, pick up, like, yelling. And those messages were this guy that was on the plane was calling me because he knew I was six hours or eight hours ahead. And he wanted to tell his family something because he thought he was going to die. So it's very powerful, you know, when you have that, and it, It took me a little while to even recognize who this was that was calling me. You know, when 9-11 happened, I don't know, I'm sure all of us, we were confused. We couldn't understand what was really going on.

And through that confusion, we saw bravery and we saw leadership. We saw President Bush get up and declare with the bullhorn like, we're claiming this back. You know, we saw Congress, which, you know, and I'll do respect as a previous business guy, I didn't really move super fast and like that, they had that, you know, put together DHS. And, you know, when you think through all of the actions that taken, the key was that showed America takes action. And that's why we're here because we take action. We are very focused on making sure that we continue that legacy that got established on 9-11. And we are the outgrowth of that.

You know, when I look at this plaza and, you know, and it's funny when I came for my second tour, I was here as the CFO, the first tour. And a couple observations is that I remember when I showed up and I was getting ready for my Senate confirmation to be the CFO. I treated it like a business transaction. So I pulled the Homeland Security Act 2002 and I just went through like, what was this place designed for? I was not a Homeland Security guy. And, you know, something that's beautiful about everybody that's here is, you know, it's just like our Constitution. It set a baseline, but we are building on it.

We are, this is an organic thing, DHS. You know, with Secretary Mollin's leadership, we're taking the fight directly to counterterrorism. We're taking the fight overseas. We're taking the fight to the drug smugglers, the traffickers, all of this. We're sealing the border. You know, all of these things that weren't necessarily clearly called out in the 2002 act are stuff that just shows that as an organization,

and you guys as leaders and everybody that's here with so much to offer that every day that we look and we say, hey, what is our purpose? The other thing I would just say is that when you look at this artifact, this is steel that came out of one of the towers, obviously, that was brought here for remembrance. You know, it's a symbol to make us remember, to make sure that we understand, you know, why we're doing this. But this is also a symbol of what evil can do.

So when you wake up in the morning and you're getting ready to come in here and you're thinking, man, another day at DHS, you know, come out here to the plaza, sit down, relax, and reflect. But think about that this symbol, you know, when you look at it, this happened to us. You know, this is definitely something that happened to us. And the reason why we're here is we're here to make sure that this does not happen again. So I just, I'm very honored to be here. I'm very honored to serve with all of you.

I'm grateful. I hope that everybody I know everybody experiences this day a little bit different than everybody else. but I just pray for you and your families, and I just want to thank you. And I'd like to introduce the next up here, Secretary Mullen. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you, Troy, and thank you for everybody that's here. And I've got to say this is a very humbling experience for me,

because in one hand, it's a time of reflection when you look at 25 years of, a day that all of us will remember. It changed our lives. And then another way, it's honestly a time that we look at the success of the Department of Homeland Security because for 25 years, we prevented it from happening again.

But yet the day still pisses me off. It's still so frustrating. Because why? Because they don't like the way we worship. They don't like what America stands for. They don't like the Republic. What is it that they fear from America?

Because they didn't fear us. They wouldn't have tried bringing down our towers. And do you think what failure points took place? The Department of Homeland Security, we were stood up because of failures. Honestly, from Osama bin Laden. and the warning shots literally he had for years leading up to that. Even the student pilots, I went to Norman, Oklahoma, to learn not how to land, but how to fly, commercial airliners. There's failures along the way.

What I've talked about multiple times since being secretary is one, I serve with true hatreds. 270,000 of us, the Department of Homeland Security wake up every single morning defending our homeland. Every day, from the Coast Guard to Customs and Border Patrol to HSI, to SISA, even Secret Service, and all the other 22 components we have, our mission is to make sure it not. never happens again, meaning that we will always connect the dots. When we talk about a zero failed mission, it's because no matter how big or how small that lead might be or that phone call that needs to be returned, we're going to do it because we don't know what that will go to next. We can't afford to miss one opportunity to prevent it from happening again. From our coordination from law enforcement, from blue states and red states,

to our coordination of our foreign partners that I've literally been on the phone with since 1.30 this morning. Every single day we push back against the horrific acts of terrorist organizations. Underneath President Trump's leadership, since he's been in office this time, thanks to the Department of Homeland Security and our partners in federal and local, state, please. We've arrested 2,150 terrorists inside the United States. Think about that. A term, we didn't really use a whole lot prior to 9-11, just in a short period of time underneath Trump's leadership,

2,150 terrorists. Not those that are on terrorist watch list, those that were known terrorists that were led into this country to live the American dream? No. Just like those that brought down our towers, they wanted to tear down the United States. And the Department of Homeland Security, our job is to say never again. But with the humbling facts that it's in front of us, all of us, here at Department of Homeland Security, can say, unfortunately, It's probably not a matter of if.

It's more a matter of when. Something happens again. And it won't be because we didn't do our job. It's because that one little person that wanted to tear down our American dream, when I noticed. People say, what's your biggest fear? That's one of them. That's one of them. It's tough.

to protect all the homeland. It's tough to sometimes fight, and I'm not trying to get political here, but I will. Sanctuary cities where they don't want us to go into and they're harboring abetting activities just like this. They can say it's for humanitarian purposes, but the truth is when you become a sanctuary city and you're not supporting law enforcement,

you're not allowing law enforcement to do their job, it's a safe haven that incubates terrorist activity. And it doesn't just stay local in Seattle or San Francisco or New York City or Boston or even Fairfax, Virginia. It bleeds into other parts of the country too. What happens in one place the country affects all of us. And so for one thing that we should all agree on is we should all be in the same boat. We should all be pulling on the same war trying to protect the homeland regardless of your politics, regardless you think blue or you think red, regardless of your independent or you're libertarian.

We should all want our families to be safe. We should all want our neighbors to be safe. We should all be rooting for our first responders for our law enforcement to succeed every single day. We should be constantly going after those criminals, no matter how big or how small it is. When I was fortunate enough to run our own companies, I would say if we take care of the pennies, the dollars will take care of themselves. If we take care of the small criminals, they'll never become large criminals. And those large criminals will never turn into terrorists.

If we can secure our border, we can keep the 21,500 terrorists from coming into our country. It shouldn't be political. And if anything, when we start looking at the 25th anniversary, if there's anything we should agree on, it should be that. Why should Department of Homeland Security be controversial? We're taking care of your backyard. Why did it become political? Because some people want to score political points.

And private, do they really believe that? Do they really believe what they go out and say? God, I hope not. Because who are you? As a nation, we're all Americans. Just like 25 years ago, when they attacked the Pentagon, when we attacked both their towers, when all of our lives changed, everybody's life changed that day. We all came together.

That fight isn't done, and it never will be. We understand our adversaries want to destroy us. And the only way they do that is by dividing us. political differences aside that doesn't matter the department of homeland we're here to protect you protect your backyard just like we're trying to protect ours and guys it is with the greatest honor to be able to stand in front of you and say that i'm secretary of homeland and i

get a lead 270,000 patrons 70,000 patrons that are literally willing to do their job for free because you've proven it every time Congress has shut you down four times in the last year. You guys have still showed up. By the way, for the spouses that still supported your loved one from showing up, thank you. But do you know the true test to someone? Are they willing to do their job for free?

Everybody here at the Department of Homeland said, I am the mission's the greatest job I have. And I get to be part of that because of President Trump's leadership. when he asked me to be Secretary of Homeland, it took me about three seconds to say yes. And then I thought I should probably check in with my wife. She forgave me, but she's a patriot too. She didn't hesitate. She said absolutely. Then how much more time is this going to take?

I had no idea I would never sleep through the night again. When I say that I was on the phone since 1.30 this morning, I got back from the convention, laid down my head on my bed, at one o'clock. My phone rang like it does every single night. I've been dealing with one of our five ice partners since 1.30 because of a threat has come in. A real threat, obviously. But because of our partnership and our friends across the entire world, truly we stop something today. And yes, I know the media is going to ask later what it is. Zero chance I'll tell you. So don't even ask. It doesn't matter. Because of our leadership, we're able to stop it.

And that's what we do every day. So may God bless you and may God bless United States of America. Thank you, Mr. Secretary. It's my pleasure to welcome Under Secretary Kavanaugh. And welcome to Resilience Plaza. It is a privilege to serve as the department's Under Secretary for Management. And I'm grateful to President Trump and Secretary Mullen. for providing me the opportunity rejoin this dedicated and passionate workforce.

For each one of us, DHS is more than a career. It's a calling. Resilience Plaza represents a significant enhancement to our campus, but more than that, it's a powerful addition to the identity of St. Elizabeth's. It's distinctly DHS, rooted in history, shaped by service, and focused on the mission of protecting the homeland. It defines St. Elizabeth's as the headquarters for Homeland Security. It gives the campus a center of gravity worthy of the mission. At DHS, we are united by one purpose, protecting the homeland.

For this department, there is no greater call to action than September 11, 2001. That was a day our nation forever changed. It was a day of unimaginable loss, courage, sacrifice, and resolve. It is also the tragedy from which the Department of Homeland Security was born. Since our founding in 2003, our mission has grown and evolved. While DHS was born from tragedy, it is sustained by purpose. It's strengthened by the men and women who choose, every day, paid or not, to answer that call. We are guided by a simple but profound commitment to protect the

American people, our homeland, and our way of life. That is what this plaza represents. Resilience Plaza is not a solemn memorial. Rather, the plaza has a different purpose. This is a living space for the DHS workforce. Many of us recall where we were that fateful morning with vivid clarity. However, As we welcome younger generations into our department, the space will serve as a daily reminder of our mission and our duty. And the artifacts around us tell that story

with extraordinary power. Behind you lies a twisted piece of steel from the World Trade Center. It serves as a reminder of the destruction inflicted by those who wish to do us harm. Before us stands the icon steel trident from the World Trade Center, once again upright. To me, that is the message of this plaza.

It's not only about what the attack did, it's about what endured. It represents the strength of the American people, our ability to overcome, our refusal to be defined by tragedy, and our determination to rise from the ashes, better, stronger, and more resilient. Behind us in the back are six pieces of limestone recovered from the Pentagon.

They remain unbroken despite the attempt to destroy what they represented. They stand now as a reminder of the resilience of our nation. And the survivor trees that are planted around us, and along with the historic trees from this campus, connect the past to the future. They represent endurance, renewal, and generations of parson. public servants who will come through this campus and carry out our mission. That is why Resilience Plaza matters. Resilience Plaza is an embodiment of that commitment, and I'd like to welcome everyone here

today to this plaza. Thank you, Under Secretary Kavanaugh. I'm inviting back up to the podium, Chaplain Bowden, to offer the Resilience Plaza dedication prayer, introduction to the moment of silence and reflection and benediction. us pray. Almighty God, author of life, restoration, and hope. We stand before you behind this center building to formally dedicate and commission Resilience Plaza. Your holy word recalls the prophet Ezekiel standing before a valley of dry bones, silent remnants scattered in ruin, and hearing your sovereign promise. I will make breath enter you and you will come to life.

Then you will know that I am the Lord. Lord, you have brought breath and life out of tragedy. You transformed our nation's deepest sorrow into an unbroken spirit of service and resilience. We consecrate this plaza and the sacred artifacts placed within it. As we look upon the World Trade Center Trident, remind us of our enduring strength and upright resolve. As we behold the deformed steel beam, keep us ever mindful of the gravity of that fateful day and the sacred trust placed in our hands. As we view the stones of the Pentagon aligned upon their original axis, reinforce the unshakable foundation of our nation. We dedicate this plaza not only as a place of quiet reflection, but as a vibrant center of daily life for the women and men of this day.

Department. Bless this ground is a place to muster to meet, to share fellowship, and daily bread, and to find renewed energy for the mission. Bless every footstep that crosses these stones infusing each public servant with courage, clarity of purpose, and an unyielding commitment to protect our communities. May Resilience Plaza stand through all generations as an enduring testament, that darkness cannot prevail, and that our nation's fabric remains strong and unbroken. We dedicate this space and solemn gratitude and steadfast devotion to our nation's defense. We pray to you, O Lord, our compass and guide. Amen. Mr. Secretary, Mr. Deputy Secretary, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,

As we mark 25 years since that fateful morning, let us now pause as one department and one nation. We bow our heads in solemn remembrance of the nearly 3,000 innocent lives lost on September 11, 2001, at the World Trade Center, the Pentagon, and in Shanksville, Pennsylvania. We honor the heroism of the first responders who made the ultimate sacrifice, the military service members who answered the call in the years that followed, and every public servant who gave their life in defense of the homeland. Please join me in a moment of silence. Let us pray.

May the Almighty God who watched over us in our darkest hours and raised us up in strength go before us this day. May he grant us fortitude in times of trial, unwavering watchfulness amidst the shadows of doubt and wisdom in every decision made in defense of our homeland. May his hand of protection rest upon us wherever our watch may take us, at our borders and our skies, on the lakes and high seas, throughout cyberspace, and within every community faithfully served. As we depart this newly dedicated Resilience Plaza, may we can, carry with us the unbroken spirit of those we remember and the enduring promise of renewal go forth

in unity and continue to serve with honor respect and devotion to duty may god bless the department of homeland security and may god continue to bless the united states of america we pray in your most holy name amen i like to thank the speakers the participants and everyone who joined us today as we depart we may carry forward the memory of those we honor and the responsibility of the mission we serve this concludes today's program thank you thank you so much for joining us and don't forget to hit the thumbs up on this video and a special thank you to all of our advertising partners please remember to shift your dollars to support those businesses that support badlands media