Six years have passed since the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon. Today is a day to remember those who lost their lives at the hands of radical Islamic terrorists who despise our values and way of life, as well as those men and women who have made the ultimate sacrifice helping their fellow citizens that tragic day, and defending freedom in the years that have followed.Rep. John Boehner:
We must never forget that America has shed more blood defending freedom here and abroad than all the other countries in the world combined. And it was no different on 9/11. Before the twin towers fell, before the smoke had cleared from the Pentagon, before the brave men and women of Flight 93 had made a stand over Shanksville, Penn., Americans were fighting back.
America’s heritage of defending freedom has fallen to us. It is a great trust that our generation willingly accepts and must uphold. But the best way we can do that – while honoring the tragic loss of our fellow citizens six years ago today, and in all of the years since – is to make sure our nation continues to stand for freedom, remains strong and united in the face of threats, and secure.
“I can still remember how blue and peaceful the East Coast sky was the morning of September 11, 2001, and how that peace was shattered by the attacks on our country. Every generation of Americans has its own unique challenge, and the challenge of this generation became clear to all of us on that day. It was a day that forever changed us and the way we look at the world.
“America was brutally attacked without mercy and without warning, and we will never, ever forget those we lost. Likewise, we will never forget the work of the police, firefighters, and first responders who willingly risked or gave up their lives to save others.
“As our nation faces the challenge posed to us and our freedom by radical jihadists, we also continue to honor the sacrifice and heroism of our Armed Forces. These men and women stand each day in defense of freedom, and they are bravely fighting a determined enemy in the war on terror. They deserve our respect and support to ensure that our children and their children never have to live through another day like September 11th.”
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