A Solemn Anniversary

Statement

Congressman Jim Gerlach (PA-6th District) issued the following statement on the 12th anniversary of September 11, 2001 terror attacks in New York, at the Pentagon and in Somerset County, Pennsylvania:

"Today, I join my constituents and our country in pausing to remember the 2,977 people who were killed in the September 11, 2001 attacks and expressing heartfelt gratitude to the men and women who serve our nation every day as emergency responders and members of our military. Our eyes still cloud with tears recalling the horrific images of these attacks in New York and at the Pentagon 12 years ago. Remembering how police, firefighters, co-workers -- and even total strangers -- helped others escape smoke-filled stairways and fought back against our attackers aboard Flight 93 in the sky above Somerset County here in Pennsylvania continues to fill our hearts with pride. We shall always remember this day that forever changed our world.

While 12 years have passed since that fateful day, the threat posed by radical jihadists determined to harm America and our Allies remains. Our country received a deadly reminder of that very real threat one year ago today when four Americans, including Ambassador Christopher Stevens, were murdered at the U.S. Consulate in Benghazi, Libya. We will always remember that they died in service to our nation and must honor their sacrifice by remaining vigilant in the face of constantly evolving threats to our security and freedom."

Source