1. Montana was one of the first states to respond to the 9/11 attacks. Within hours of the attacks, the Montana National Guard was activated to protect key infrastructure and provide support for law enforcement and emergency response teams.

2. Montana was also home to several notable victims of the 9/11 attacks. Passenger Mark Bingham, who is credited with helping take down Flight 93, grew up in California but went to college in Montana. Another victim, Tom Burnett, was a graduate of St. Mary's College in Montana.

3. In the aftermath of the attacks, Montana was one of many states to experience a surge in patriotism and support for the military. Many Montanans joined the military or participated in community events to show their support for the troops.

4. Montana's rugged wilderness also played a role in the aftermath of 9/11. In 2003, a team of Green Berets from Montana's Fort Harrison trained in the Bob Marshall Wilderness, honing their survival skills and preparing for potential missions in Afghanistan.

5. Finally, Montana served as a source of inspiration for President George W. Bush, who famously declared that "the people who knocked these buildings down will hear all of us soon" during a speech in Billings just days after the attacks. The line became a rallying cry for many Americans in the days and weeks that followed.