Representative Trent Kelly

September 18, 2026

Dear Friend,

Our nation recently marked the 25th anniversary of September 11, 2001, coming together once again to remember the 2,977 innocent lives lost that day.

We all remember where we were when we first heard the tragic news and watched as the heroes emerged in the face of unimaginable circumstances. From first responders to brave citizens, countless acts of courage and selflessness saved lives and remind us of the strength of the American spirit.

In the days that followed, our nation came together like never before. Twenty-five years later, we continue to honor those we lost, remember the heroes who answered the call, and carry their memory with us.

We will never forget.

honoring the heroes of flight 93

It was an honor to stand on hallowed ground at the Flight 93 National Memorial in Shanksville, Pennsylvania, and pay tribute to the 40 passengers and crew members who gave their lives to save others on September 11, 2001.

Their courage and sacrifice are a powerful reminder of the strength and resilience of the American people. As we approach the 25th anniversary of 9/11, I was humbled to join my colleagues on the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence for a roundtable discussion with the families of the heroes of Flight 93 and first responders.

As a member of the House Intelligence Committee, I am committed to remembering the events of 9/11 and ensuring our nation is prepared for the threats of tomorrow. Our committee recently completed a bipartisan review of the 9/11 Commission Report, examining the progress made over the past 25 years and identifying ways we can strengthen our intelligence capabilities and national security.

We will never forget the lives lost on September 11, 2001, or the heroes who risked, and gave, their lives to protect others. Their sacrifice will always be a part of our nation's history, and we must continue doing everything in our power to protect the American people.

honoring our first responders

On the 25th anniversary of 9/11, I was honored to gather with first responders and residents of Horn Lake at the M.R. Dye Public Library to share our stories.

Twenty-five years ago, courageous men and women demonstrated to the world what it meant to be a first responder. They became the frontline as they raced to save countless lives in New York City and Washington, D.C. Scores of these heroes knowingly sacrificed their lives.

It was important to hear Horn Lake first responders talk about what they experienced, especially with young people in attendance who have no personal memories of September 11, 2001. We are thankful for P. Carson Culver who coordinated the library open house to acknowledge 9/11, Patriot Day, and America 250.

farmer Randle and adam wright

It's harvest season for Mississippi farmers, including Calhoun County farmer Randle Wright. The fourth-generation farmer, owner of N&W Farms, grows soybeans, corn, sweet potatoes, peas, and butterbeans on 3,000 acres. Like most farmers, Randle has good and bad years, which is to be expected. Even so, he wouldn't have it any other way.

Randle grew up helping his grandfather and uncle on their farm. "From the time I was in high school, I would work with them," Randle said. "I knew that someday I would be a farmer also. I made my first crop in 1975."

On any given day in September and October, Randle and his son, Adam, venture out to the fields where the sweet potato harvest is underway. A slow-moving caravan of tractor-pulled plows digs the potatoes, sending them up a conveyor belt where workers sort and place potatoes into wooden bins.

The next stop for the potatoes is the warehouse where sweet potatoes will be sorted for storage and shipment. "Sweet potatoes are a year-round operation. We grow, market, and ship them," Randle said.

Back in the fields, chalky dirt continues to be turned where potatoes are mature. More will be picked soon. "We need rain for the later ones to grow to the right size," Randle added. While they wait for rain, Randle and Adam continue the harvest. They have finished harvesting corn. While they continue to dig potatoes, soybeans will be the next crop to be gathered from the fields. "This is a tough time for farmers with high input prices and labor challenges. We've made it this long and will keep going. It's been a good season so far and we are thankful for that."

We are proud of our Mississippi farmers and the hard work they do every day to put food on tables across America. I will continue fighting for our farmers and supporting policies that strengthen agriculture, protect their livelihoods, and give them the tools they need to succeed.

weyerhaeuser visit

I recently had the opportunity to meet with the Weyerhaeuser team in Bruce and hear directly about the challenges they face. Weyerhaeuser is a leader in sustainable forestry and wood products, and its work plays an important role in Mississippi's forestry industry.

Mississippi is a major forestry state, and turning our trees into finished products is critical to meeting American needs, supporting our producers, and keeping lumber costs down. We must continue to support our forestry industry and companies like Weyerhaeuser that create jobs and produce quality wood products.

By responsibly managing our forests and strengthening the industries that depend on them, we can continue putting our natural resources to work for our state and nation. I was proud to visit Weyerhaeuser and tour its facilities in Bruce to see firsthand the important work being done right here in Mississippi's First District.

yellow creek port ground breaking

I was proud to lead the prayer and Pledge of Allegiance at the groundbreaking for Yellow Creek Port's dock expansion in Tishomingo County.

This project is a great example of what we can accomplish when the federal government, the State of Mississippi, and local partners work together towards a common goal. Strong port infrastructure helps businesses move goods more efficiently, supports manufacturers, attracts new investment, and creates good-paying jobs.

Yellow Creek Port is a major economic asset for North Mississippi, and this expansion will strengthen its ability to serve existing industries while opening the door for future growth. This is about more than expanding a dock. It's about making long-term infrastructure investments that strengthen Mississippi's economy, keep our state competitive, and create new opportunities for hardworking Mississippians.

I was proud to be a part of this important day and look forward to seeing the great impact this project will have on North Mississippi for years to come.

pontotoc fire station 1 grand opening

The doors to Pontotoc Fire Station 1 are officially open. Team Kelly was on hand to celebrate the grand opening of this new facility, which provides additional space and resources for the Pontotoc Fire Department.

With a growing population and increasing call volume, this facility was needed to better support Pontotoc's firefighters and enhance emergency response capabilities. I am proud to see Fire Station 1 now open and ready to serve and protect the residents of Pontotoc for years to come.

pictures

House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence wreath-laying ceremony to honor the 184 lives lost at the Pentagon

Community Meeting in Oxford

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Thanks for reading,

Rep. Trent Kelly (MS-01)
Member of Congress