The Quiet Patriotism of Rebuilding: Engineers in the Aftermath of 9/11

Susan Firey

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September 11, 2026

Today, we pause to remember the nearly 3,000 people who lost their lives on September 11, 2001, and to honor the first responders, engineers, and construction professionals who rushed toward danger — searching for survivors, assessing the damage, and beginning the long work of recovery. ACEC New York tells the courageous story in the new short film, Engineering Resilience, which is dedicated to the efforts of the engineers who responded in the aftermath of the attacks.

There is a form of patriotism that is quieter than valor, but no less necessary. It’s a patriotism that says we will not only grieve what is destroyed. We will rebuild what was taken and make it stronger. And we will never forget.

About the author

Susan Firey

Susan Firey is ACEC's director of executive and strategic communications.