9/11

STATEMENTS:

Jeff Beatty, candidate for the United States Senate (R-MA):

“As we mark the seventh anniversary of September 11, our thoughts and prayers go out to the families and loved ones of those who lost their lives that terrible day. I had the honor to have worked with the Pentagon and the WorldTrade Center to train their hundreds of security personnel to harden their perimeter against ground attack. Those brave women and men did their job inan outstanding manner. They saved lives on that terrible day. Many I had the privilege to know, made the ultimate sacrifice to get others to safety.

As we honor their memories and the memories of the thousands more citizens and public safety personnel who perished in a senseless act of violent extremism, let us remember the countless fellow Americans who gave so selflessly and so compassionately at a time when it was most needed. We did not seek a war with terrorists, but one has been thrust upon us. We must not lose sight of the fact that there are those who wish to do even greater harm to Americans. So let us guard against complacency and dedicate ourselves to properly protecting Americans by applying the appropriate national resources, no more and no less, to our public safety and security.

Let us also remember that from the grief and destruction of 9/11 sprang a renewed spirit of unity and American pride. Today, let us recommit ourselves to maintaining that sense of unity, standing together not as Democrats and Republicans, but simply as Americans.“

Joe Lieberman, United States Senate (I/D-CT):

“Today we commemorate the terrible attacks of September 11, 2001. We remember those who lost their lives and we salute the heroism and strength of character that Americans, from first responders to ordinary citizens, demonstrated in the face of death and destruction. While on that day we witnessed pure evil, we also saw why America, our freedom, and our values will always triumph.

“Today, we also honor those men and women in our armed forces who have sacrificed their lives in the war that began on that day seven years ago. These heroes have made us safer and have protected our country from another attack. We will be forever grateful to them and to their families for their sacrifice—what Abraham Lincoln called ‘the last full measure of devotion.’

“As we remember that horrific day, we should also rededicate ourselves to remain vigilant and united against an extremist foe that threatens our security and our freedom. This is a struggle of humanity against barbarism, of justice against tyranny whose outcome will affect the lives of not only our citizens, but billions of others throughout the world.

“Just as America and all freedom-loving peoples prevailed over the twin evils of fascism and communism in the last century, we will prevail over the evil of Islamist terrorism that attacked us on that September day seven years ago. Let us stand united in that cause.”

George Voinovich, United States Senate (R-OH):

“Seven years ago today, we suffered a horrific national tragedy, the images of which will forever remain in the minds of the American people,” Sen. Voinovich said. “The senseless brutality of 9/11 shocked the world. But rather than destroying our faith in the American ideals of liberty and freedom, it united us in a way I have never seen before. The spirit of self-sacrifice that day inspired was truly remarkable. Today we remember the innocent lives lost on September 11, 2001, and honor first responders who make little-noticed sacrifices every day that keep our families safe.”

Bob Latta, United States Congressman (R-OH):

“Today is a day of prayer as we remember those who lost their lives on September 11, 2001. As we mourn the tragic loss of life seven years ago today, our thoughts and prayers go out to the families still grieving. We also recall the heroic acts of patriotism on that day and those who died in service to their fellow man. The memory of those individuals will always hold a special place in the hearts of all Americans.”

“Now more than ever, our country stands together as we continue to fight the global war on terror and bring those responsible for these cowardly acts to justice. Our troops in Afghanistan, Iraq, and across the globe continue to defend our freedoms and liberties, keeping us safe from those who wish to compromise them.”

Republican Leader John Boehner:

“In 1776, our Founding Fathers began building a new nation founded on liberty and freedom. In the last 232 years America has prospered and flourished. We have fulfilled the vision of our Founders that America would be a beacon of hope against tyranny.

“The attacks of September 11, 2001 were aimed not just at buildings or people. They were aimed at the things we hold in the highest esteem: our liberty and our freedom. The attacks that day took many lives, and too many family members, even today, feel the pain of loss.

“But despite the scars, the attacks of 9-11 failed. They failed…and today freedom and democracy are taking root in parts of the world where they were once only a far off dream.

“Today we remember those we lost. We honor the memory of public servants who willingly gave their lives to save others. We also honor those we lost in Afghanistan and Iraq defending our country and pursuing those still dedicated to our destruction.

“Benjamin Franklin once said ‘There is no little enemy.’ And if the dreams of our radical enemy come true, it would spell the end of our freedom.

“Americans will never let that happen. America is a great nation, and we remain a beacon of hope to those living under the thumb of tyranny. And so this day, we say with one heart and with one voice that we will not forget. And we will not walk away from the defense of our freedom and liberty.”