Blog: We Remember the Fallen and the Heroes Who Helped Us Re-build

Statement

Tomorrow, the nation will pause to remember the horrific events of Sept. 11, 2001, and the nearly 3,000 people who lost their lives in the terrorist attacks. We honor them and their families by ensuring that they are never forgotten.

We remember the fallen -- the police officers and firefighters who ran into burning buildings as others ran out, and the brave first responders who gave their lives to save countless others. We also remember the working people of this tragedy -- from the custodians and restaurant workers to the administrative staff, security guards and business executives who died inside the buildings that day.

We lift up all of those who are helping us re-build. Our profound gratitude is with the dedicated construction workers who restored the Pentagon and are erecting a living memorial in lower Manhattan.

We will never forget the incredible sacrifice of our service members who lost their lives and continue to ensure our security is never again threatened. We owe them much, not the least bit making sure our veterans never have to fight for jobs when they return home. And it is here that the U.S. Department of Labor has a critical role to play. Our Veterans' Employment and Training Service is working tirelessly to ensure that we serve our veterans as well as they served us.

Tomorrow, I will join with other people of good will across the country and around the world with a moment of silence at 8:46 a.m. (EDT) as part of the 9/11 National Day of Service and Remembrance. I invite others to join me.

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