Today, Rep. Grace F. Napolitano released the following statement on the 10th Anniversary of 9/11:
The ten-year anniversary of 9/11 is a day to remember those who were lost, and to stand with their families and their loved ones. It is a day of terrible sadness for the violence that was inflicted, and it is a day to feel gratitude to and solidarity with firefighters, first responders, and everyday Americans, heroes who rushed to help in the minutes, weeks, and months following the attack. We must also never forget our commitment to assist those families with the medical and financial support they need, and we must continue our support for the heroic firefighters, policemen, and paramedics who rose to the occasion.
On 9/11, terrorists aimed to instill fear in the American people and weaken our commitment to American values. Ten years later, we have new protections to keep us safe, and a new understanding of how precious our American way of life is. Our values have endured for more than two centuries, and the trials of 9/11 have again shown that the bonds between us are stronger than any ideology of hate.
We must never forget the lessons of 9/11. We will continue to honor the memory of those we lost, and remain vigilant against any new threat. Ten years after tragedy, we can take heart in seeing that the American spirit remains as strong as ever.