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 If you are over the age of 25, however, you will
never forget where you were when our nation was shaken by the
heinous terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001. Like many
Americans, the events on 9/11 are engrained in my memory.
I will never forget seeing the three airplanes hijacked by al-Qaida
terrorists slam into New York’s Twin Towers and the Pentagon in
Washington. I will never forget the fourth plane that plowed into a
field in Shanksville, Pennsylvania after its passengers and crew
bravely disrupted the terrorists’ plan to attack the U.S. Capitol.
We remember the black smoke that billowed over the New York skyline,
the gaping hole in the Pentagon, and watching the Twin Towers
crumble.
We remember the heroic first responders, police, and firefighters
rushing towards the danger to rescue those in harm’s way.
We remember learning that our nation was under attack.
We remember the stories of bravery and heroism from everyday
Americans.
The attacks on 9/11 evoked many emotions. Anger at those who carried
out the attacks, sadness for those lost, and unity as Americans
coming together in the face of tragedy. The tragedy that occurred on
9/11, changed the lives of countless Americans. Following 9/11, many
Americans from all backgrounds, decided to put service before self
and asked, “What can I do; how can I make a difference?”
In the 20 years since, and even up to this past month, American
service members have put their lives on the line to defend America
in the war on terror. Those Americans who fought and died for the
freedoms we enjoy these past 20 years represent the best America has
to offer.
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As we gather today to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the
9/11 terrorist attacks, it’s important that we remember the service members who
perished in the war on terror and their Gold Star families. To families of those
who lost family members or friends, please know your loved ones died as heroes,
and we will always honor their memories.
9/11 was not only a tragedy where many lives were lost, but it also made people
more aware and conscious of one another. The 9/11 Anniversary is a reminder that
freedom is not free. The terrorists who carried out the 9/11 attacks attempted
to instill fear in the American people. And while they may have left America
shaken, they could not shake the very core of the American people – our belief
in life, liberty, freedom, and patriotism. The events of that day have not and
will never change the fabric of the United States that makes us a beacon of
freedom and the greatest country on earth.
We will never forget 9/11, and we must ensure future generations understand the
lessons of patriotism and heroism that came from that day: despite our
differences, all of us can carry our love for our country.
May God bless those who perished on 9/11, may God bless our service members, and
may God bless America! |
