CHARLESTON, W.Va. -- 19 years ago today, 2,977 of our fellow Americans were killed in New York City, Washington, D.C. and outside of Shanksville, Pennsylvania, in one of the most tragic events our Nation has endured.
This year, as we look back at the tragedy that took place on that fateful day, we are reminded of the resolve and irrepressible faith of the American people, and of the American spirit. The terrorists who carried out this attack were hopeful that it would break us, but instead, the events of 9/11 brought Americans together… of every creed, race, gender, sexual orientation, political views… to stand in solidarity in the face of evil.
For the days, weeks and months following that fateful September day, our country was unified as we all came to grips with a new reality and renewed sense of shared purpose and mission. Together, we mourned, and together, we picked up the pieces to begin rebuilding our country from the loss it suffered.
We are still engaged in the battles that were brought forth from the actions that took place on September 11th. From the West Virginians who led the charge into the mountains of Afghanistan in the early days of the war on terror to the men and women from across this great state who said goodbye to family and friends as they left to carry out the duties of the world’s greatest fighting force on foreign soil. The United States military is committed to bringing an end to violent extremism and the spread of terrorism around the world.
We have endured, for nearly two decades, the tolls of the wars that have followed. We will never forget the men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice since September 11th, who were injured in the line of duty or who carry emotional scars with them today. Nor will we forget our Gold Star Families – who know all too well the cost of service to this great Nation.
If anything positive or a lasting legacy should ever come out of the events of 9/11, it should be the realization that we are indeed all one people. That in moments of true crisis, we have the capacity, as a people, to come together in common effort, common resolve, common determination and common love of nation, to work together towards a greater good and more peaceful union.
On this 19th anniversary, let us honor the memory of those we lost on 9/11 and be reminded of the strength, unity and resiliency of our great Nation and its people, who have ensured our ideals of freedom, liberty and justice have prevailed throughout time. We owe it to those we have lost and who have sacrificed so much to find common ground and come together to honor their sacrifice and do what is right for our Nation!