Statement from Governor David A. Paterson on Ninth Anniversary of September 11th Attacks

Statement

"Nine years ago today America came face to face with evil; unmitigated, unabashed and unholy evil.

"But for evil to exist in the world there must be good. And America is today and always will be a force for good. So as we pause to mourn the loss of life and the loss of innocence that punctuated that awful day, let us also take the time to remind ourselves of America's virtues. Our towers may have fallen, but this nation will always stand tall.

"That is why we must continue to rebuild. Not just the physical structures of Ground Zero, but the moral infrastructure that was drafted into the soul of this nation by its Founders. Sometimes we may stray from these principles. But every time we think of the rescue workers who ran into the burning towers; every time we think of the ordinary citizens who made extraordinary sacrifices to help strangers; and every time we think of the outpouring of support from every corner of this great country, we are reminded of the unique bonds that tie us all together as Americans.

"New Yorkers were on the front lines then, and we are still today. The attacks were meant to strike fear into our hearts and make us question the wisdom of our free society. But what the terrorists did not realize then-and what they will never understand-is that our laws are stronger than our fears, and our fears are never written into law. Their strength will never approach ours. New York will rebuild. And America is eternal."

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