The events of recent weeks have reminded us how central the September 11th attacks remain to our national consciousness. The shock and grief we felt that Tuesday still echo in our hearts, still reverberate in our minds.
America stands tall as a beacon of freedom and tolerance because her people have risen to the occasion each time these values have been tested. It is with that in mind that we turn our thoughts today to the police, firefighters, and first responders who ran into burning buildings so others could get out. We renew our awe for the passengers who dug in rather than give up and charged the cockpit of Flight 93. We remember how Americans from all walks donated blood, gathered at candlelight vigils, and organized care packages for relief workers. The resilience that propels us forward as a people is drawn from the courage of our heroes and the compassion of our citizens.
Each year on this day, we have the opportunity and the solemn responsibility to honor the heroes and victims, and to keep faith with their loved ones. Through these thoughts and prayers, we can heal, and we can steel ourselves to repeat the words ‘never again.’
Over the last year, we have seen in the most immediate way how terrorists still have innocent Americans in their sights, starting with a plot to blow up the New York City subway system, and continuing with the attacks at Fort Hood, Times Square, and on board Northwest Flight 253. Each of these attacks represented new strands of terrorism, new signs of an enemy ready and willing to adapt. Now more than ever, as citizens and patriots, we must remain vigilant in our efforts to confront and defeat the terrorist threat. That is why we should also take a moment today to salute the endurance, discipline, and valor of our troops, who have volunteered to take the fight to the enemy and keep the light of freedom burning bright.
Jim Renacci:
Nine years ago today, America witnessed one of the greatest tragedies in the history of our nation. September 11, 2001 is more than a day we must never forget, it’s a day that we must always remember. It’s a day we must remember not only for the burning buildings, the loss of life and the barbarous acts of terrorism, but also for the countless acts of selfless and heroic bravery that so many Americans exhibited that day.
Although our country was unified in shock, sorrow and deep anger in the wake of the 9/11 attacks, we were also unified in our resolve to stand together as Americans in defense of our country, our freedom and our way of life. While our nation’s rich diversity is one of its greatest treasures, far too often we focus on our differences rather than the common bonds that we share as Americans. I sincerely hope today, as we take time to reflect on one of the darkest moments in our country’s past, that we may revive a new sense of unity as we move forward to tackle the great many challenges that lie ahead in the future.
While the pain of loss endures every day for the family members and friends who lost loved ones in those horrific terrorist attacks, all of America stands with them today as we honor the memory of the victims of 9/11. May God bless the victims who lost their lives that day, the loved ones they left behind—and may God continue to bless the United States of America.
Rich Iott:
It was nine years ago this morning that our nation came face to face with terrorism - a type of evil that had not been seen on American soil since our founding. That evening, as the reality of what had happened began to sink in, President George W. Bush addressed the nation from the Oval Office. As we remember those we lost - on that day and since - I thought it was appropriate to share with you some of that address. He said:
"A great people has been moved to defend a great nation. Terrorist attacks can shake the foundations of our biggest buildings, but they cannot touch the foundation of America. These acts shatter steel, but they cannot dent the steel of American resolve. America was targeted for attack because we're the brightest beacon for freedom and opportunity in the world. And no one will keep that light from shining.
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"This is a day when all Americans from every walk of life unite in our resolve for justice and peace. America has stood down enemies before, and we will do so this time. None of us will ever forget this day, yet we go forward to defend freedom and all that is good and just in our world."
May we always remember that the United States of America is 'the brightest beacon for freedom and opportunity in the world' and may we always be resolved to keep her so.
