Hegseth’s Speech Marks 25th Anniversary of 9/11 Attacks

During a solemn event at the Pentagon on the 25th anniversary of the September 11 attacks, War Secretary Pete Hegseth delivered a passionate address connecting the tragic history of 2001 with the ongoing military efforts against Iran.

Standing alongside President Donald Trump and military leaders, Hegseth articulated his view of the quarter-century fight against radical extremism as not merely a past event, but as an ongoing and vital conflict requiring unwavering military commitment.

A significant part of Hegseth’s speech focused on drawing parallels between the victims of 9/11 and contemporary U.S. operations in the Middle East.

He emphasized recent military strikes, claiming that American forces are currently facing an “Islamic theocracy” that has harbored hostility toward the U.S. for many years. Hegseth expressed pride in the efforts to weaken Iran’s military capabilities.

“All told, Islamist terrorists murdered nearly 3,000 of our fellow Americans that day 25 years ago. It’s hard to even imagine,” Hegseth noted in his remarks.

“We’re still sending terrorists where they belong — to hell, and tankers to the bottom of the ocean where they belong,” he asserted, insisting that current military operations are crucial to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons and to dismantle its defenses.

Hegseth also raised concerns about security threats at home, highlighting that adversaries are constantly devising plans to undermine American power and target citizens through both domestic and international terrorism.

He framed the fight against extremism as both a spiritual and civilizational battle, insisting that “the struggle against evil continued, and it continues now” and emphasizing that this will not end “until Judgment Day.” For him, maintaining military readiness is more than a policy; it’s essential for defense against persistent threats.

As he concluded at the Pentagon memorial, Hegseth referenced biblical scripture, reminding attendees that there will always be “wars and rumors of war.”

“The struggle against evil continued, and it continues now. It will continue until judgment day. Our only answer here on Earth is eternal vigilance,” he stated.

He called upon a new generation of American service members to rise to face the challenges ahead, encouraging young patriots to embody the courage of those lost on 9/11 and respond to the nation’s call when it matters most.