Enyart Statement on Anniversary of September 11 Attacks

Statement

U.S. Congressman Bill Enyart (IL-12) released the following statement today in advance of tomorrow's 13th anniversary of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks on our nation.

"September 11, 2001 is day I will never forget. I was sitting in my office, where I worked as legal advocate for folks with Social Security Disability cases, when I heard the news. My coworkers and I gathered around a small television in the office to watch the news. I simply couldn't believe my eyes.

"My immediate next step was to call the Illinois National Guard Headquarters in Springfield. At the time, I was a Lt. Colonel in the Guard, and wanted to know if I could be of assistance. Although my orders wouldn't come until a couple months later, we knew that serious action would be taken by the President.

"The following November, I was deployed to Europe on temporary assignment. As I walked through the airport in New York, I passed the young men and women of the New York National Guard holding M-16s and guarding the airport. As my flight departed, I looked down to the city, and saw the twin towers still smoldering two months later.

"September 11 will not soon be forgotten by me, nor by those who were tragically affected by the events of that day. I encourage everyone to take a moment of silence and reflect upon those who were victims of the attacks, those who were the first responders on the scene, and those who paid the last full measure of devotion in the weeks, months, and years following that day."

Source