WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD-05) released the following statement today on the 17th anniversary of the September 11th terrorist attacks:
“Seventeen years ago, our nation was shaken by the attacks on the World Trade Center, the Pentagon, and Flight 93. All of us remember where we were on that day, now seared indelibly into our minds, and as we go through our day, we will surely mark the minutes with memories. In the years since the attacks, America has faced challenges at home and abroad that have called so many to service, sacrifice, and acts of selflessness. To those who have served – and continue to serve – on the front lines of our war against terrorism in the military or as first responders, I offer my gratitude for their courage and conviction. To those who lost loved ones on September 11, 2001, and continue to feel the pain of their absence, including a number of my constituents, I offer my prayers and my hope that the joyous memories of those lost will continue to sustain them through this somber anniversary. As we bow our heads in silent mourning, let us draw from this day the strength required to continue moving forward and meeting our challenges with the resolve no terror could ever shake.”
U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) released the following statement on social media honoring those who lost their lives during the September 11 attacks.
“There are several days in our Nation’s history that resonate with each one of us—and for most of us, we can remember exactly what we were doing when we heard the first reports of the tragic events unfolding in New York City, our Nation’s Capital, and a field in Shanksville, Pennsylvania.
On the morning of Tuesday, September 11th, our whole world changed in ways that
none of us could have anticipated. Our sense of security had been shattered by coordinated attacks that claimed the lives of thousands of innocent Americans—we would never be the same again. However, from those tragedies, the American spirit took hold—our sense of security may have been violated, but our fighting spirit, and the will to fight back took center stage.
We all can easily remember the vivid images of first responders literally running toward the cries for help, and the images during recovery efforts of the flags at both ground zero and the Pentagon. As a Nation, we all came together to help in whatever way we could to support those who lost everything, as well as those who were doing all they could—for incredibly long hours with little rest—to rescue as many as possible and to begin to rebuild.
What is most important as we honor the memories of those who lost their lives on September 11th, as well as those who fought to bring those responsible to justice, is that we can make a difference, every day, by looking for ways to serve our country.
That is why, as a Nation, we mark this anniversary as a National Day of Service and Remembrance. Since Congress and President Obama established federal recognition for the September 11 National Day of Service and Remembrance, commonly referred to today as “9/11 Day,” more than 30 million Americans now observe the anniversary by engaging in a wide range of charitable service activities and private forms of prayer and remembrance. That is the true spirit of America, all the good that she stands for and all that we can come together to accomplish, in recognition of those who gave so much on September 11th.”
U.S. Senator Ben Cardin (D-Md.) released the following statement to commemorate the anniversary of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks against the United States.
“September 11 will forever be embedded into the American consciousness. On 9/11/01, America was attacked, but Americans also came together to show our strength and resilience in such a way that had not been seen for more than a generation. On this day, we solemnly remember the nearly 3,000 innocent souls lost at the World Trade Center, the Pentagon and in a field near Shanksville, Pa., on the way to our Nation’s Capital. We recognize those who were lost to terrorism and those who sacrificed everything to save others.
“On this day, we are reminded that we are Americans and any other labels we assign to ourselves and others are secondary to the society we strive to perfect every day. The American spirit may have been shaken on that day in 2001, but it continues to be the embodiment of compassion, charity and selflessness. On this day of reflection, we as a nation and as Americans choose to look forward to a positive future. We thank those who sacrifice each day to stand guard and protect our republic, at home as first responders and overseas in military and civilian service to America. We understand the difference between patriotism – love of country, love of fellow citizens, love of our diverse communities – and nationalism that can be divisive, secluded and angry. We stand resolved to respect each other, help each other, and respect others around the world so that we can create a more peaceful, free and secure world at home and for all peoples.”