A Message of Remembrance, Service, and Unity

September 11, 2026

As we observe the anniversary of September 11, 2001, we pause to remember the nearly 3,000 lives lost on a day that forever changed our nation and the world.

We remember the innocent lives taken far too soon. We honor the firefighters, law enforcement officers, emergency medical personnel, military members, and countless ordinary citizens who responded with extraordinary courage. We also recognize the families who continue to carry the memory of loved ones lost and the many survivors and first responders whose lives were forever changed.

For those of us connected to the military and veteran community, September 11 carries additional significance. The events of that day shaped more than two decades of military service and sacrifice. Thousands of men and women answered our nation's call in the years that followed, serving at home and abroad. Many returned home forever changed, and others made the ultimate sacrifice.

As Director of Military Outreach for the PMI Central Virginia Chapter, I am especially mindful of the veterans, service members, military families, and first responders within our project management community. Their examples remind us that leadership is more than a title. Leadership is demonstrated through service, courage, resilience, teamwork, and a willingness to step forward when others are depending on us.

September 11 should therefore be more than a day on the calendar. It should be a reminder of our responsibility to remember, to serve, and to strengthen the communities around us.

As we reflect on this solemn anniversary, I encourage each of us to honor the legacy of those we lost through our actions—by supporting a veteran, thanking a first responder, serving our communities, extending kindness to a neighbor, or simply taking a moment to remember the sacrifices made by so many.

May we never forget those who were lost.

May we continue to honor those who answered the call to serve.

And may we carry forward the spirit of unity, compassion, and service that brought Americans together in the days that followed.

We remember. We honor. We serve.

Respectfully,

Antonio L. Belmar Sr., PMP, PMI-ACP
Director of Military Outreach
PMI Central Virginia Chapter

PMI Central Virginia Chapter is pleased to welcome you to our Military Outreach Program!  We are proud to have a team committed to this effort and look forward to continuing a program that will assist our veterans, retired, transitioning, guard & reserve, and active duty military personnel. 

PMI Global and many of our United States-based chapters, including Central Virginia Chapter, are involved in presenting service members and veterans with the many opportunities that project management has to offer. Engaging military personnel in project management is mutually beneficial as it is an excellent post-service career that is a great fit with many of the skills and disciplines learned in the service. It also helps to fill the gap of much-needed project management talent now and in the future.