Transcript: Roby Commemorates 9/11, Announces Benghazi Hearing

Statement

U.S. Representative Martha Roby (R-AL) today commemorated the twelfth anniversary of the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001 in a video message. In the message, Rep. Roby speaks candidly about her personal recollection of 9-11 and honors those who lost their lives.

Rep. Roby also recognizes the one year anniversary of the terrorist attacks in Benghazi, Libya, and announces that the House Armed Services Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations will hold a public hearing next week to continue the work of learning lessons to prevent a future attack.

The following is a transcript of Rep. Roby's comments:

"It has been twelve years since the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, but we'll never forget what happened that day. I remember watching the horror unfold on television, the helpless feeling of knowing people are suffering and dying right there before your eyes. I went to college in New York at NYU and still had many friends there who I immediately called or tried to call to make sure they were safe. I remember going with my mom to give blood because that's the only thing we knew to do to help. But I also remember how the American people responded with unity and determination to defend this land, and defend one another. How we became truly one people rallying around each other and not letting our differences get in the way of what we had to do.

"Today we honor the victims of that fateful day, and we also recognize and thank the heroes who emerged on 9-11 and in the months and years that followed. Those who ran toward the fire to save lives. Those who ran toward the gunfire on the battlefield to defend our way of life. Today and every day, we remember their sacrifice and simply say - thank you.

"And speaking of heroes, today also marks one year since we lost four brave Americans in the terrorist attacks on an American compound in Benghazi, Libya. We honor their sacrifice and vow to ensure their lives were not lost in vain. Right now, the House Armed Services Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations is taking the necessary steps to ensure we learn lessons from Benghazi so that it never happens again. In fact, next week we will hold a public hearing to flesh out just what we have learned and how it will be applied going forward. Our work on Oversight and Investigations has not been and will not be a political exercise. Republicans and Democrats alike have asked important questions about our preparedness that day, and as chairman, I'll continue to ensure our work remains non-political and above-board.

"September 11 is a solemn day of remembrance -- a time to reflect on how our world has changed and to renew our commitment to work together as Americans to ensure our country remains the exceptional nation."

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