In Memory: Septemtber 11, 2001

Statement

Today, we recognize the tenth anniversary of the terrible attacks of September 11, 2001 -- and the victims of the worst tragedy in our nation's history. New York's 4th Congressional District lost many, many great men and women at Ground Zero, and today we should keep the families of those victims uppermost in our thoughts and prayers.

September 11th awakened our country to the fact that we are engaged in a global war on terror. We must be committed to fighting the evil that seeks to destroy us simply because we are Americans. As we have proven over the last decade, we are resolute in combatting the root of that evil, whether it is Osama bin Laden or others.

September 11th also reminded us of the common spirit that makes our country great. In the days after September 11th, I was overwhelmed by the enormous outpouring of generosity -- both locally and nationally -- as neighbors rallied to help neighbors, as strangers rallied to help families that they didn't even know. That unity represented -- and represents -- the best of our country. As we move forward through the difficult times we are in, we must remember that common sense of purpose. It is the highest essence and character of a democracy that we can have differences of opinion without resorting to violence, but it is also important to remember that once those debates are over, we must all work together to advance our common purpose.

The tragedy of September 11th highlighted that common purpose. Even as we dwell on the individual victims of 9/11 today, whose families have been forever altered by the devastating actions of hateful people, let us remember how many good people arose in response.

We pray today for the families victimized by the horrible tragedy of September 11th. We will never forget that day nor the people that were taken away from our families and our communities.

Source