Statements on the anniversary of 9/11

Statements on the anniversary of Sept. 11

"Today, we pause to remember those lost on our darkest day and pray for the unity that followed. We will never forget."

"On the anniversary of the attacks against our homeland, we mourn the senseless loss of so many innocent lives. And we honor the courage and heroism practiced by ordinary people, first responders, and our brave men and women in uniform. In facing the challenges that day presented as Mayor, I can recall with great pride the way people came together and we were all reminded that we live in the greatest country on earth. We will never forget."

"Today we pause to remember those we lost eleven years ago on September 11, 2001. In prayer and in silence across America, we will honor the innocent lives lost in senseless acts of evil. We will remember, too, the acts of selfless valor witnessed that day. From patriots on Flight 93 to the first responders who courageously worked to save their fellow Americans, the bravery in the midst of terror inspired and united a nation.

"We owe unyielding gratitude to our military men and women who have died defending our freedom, and we continue to pray for those serving overseas. We honor all who brought justice to those who brought hate to our shores, and we remain committed to a strong national defense against the terrorists and extremists who to this day seek to do us harm."

“No American will ever forget what happened to us – to our nation – 11 years ago today. We remember exactly where we were and what we were doing when we watched the tragedy of Sept. 11 unfold. But we also recount how in the midst of fear and uncertainty, so many Americans acted as heroes and gave of themselves for the sake of their country and their city, and to help their fellow man.

“The darkness of that day did not prevail, nor will it. An attack meant to bring us to our knees instead brought us together, and prompted a generation of protectors – airmen, soldiers, sailors, and marines – to rise up in defense of freedom and in pursuit of peace.

“So today, in our thoughts and prayers we lift up the families of the fallen in New York, Washington, and Pennsylvania; we give thanks for the bravery of first responders who ran toward the burning buildings, and away from safety; we honor the men and women whose last moments were committed to love of country and their fellow man; and we pray for the safety of those men and women still deployed throughout the world on the mission that began that day. May we live worthy of their legacy.”

“Eleven years ago today, American life was transformed by the horrifying attacks on the World Trade Center, the Pentagon, and in Pennsylvania. Those attacks that will remain in our minds forever took the lives of nearly 3,000 Americans.

“The horrific aftermath of 9/11 bore a new America – a stronger America – where we witnessed a new level of steadfast and resolute pride. We were victimized by terrorists, but Americans are not victims. We demonstrated to the world that our way of life will not be dictated by anyone, and our love and pursuit of freedom will always trump evil.

“But we will never forget. Today we honor and mourn the innocent men, women, and children whose lives were lost that day. We are forever indebted to the brave and heroic first responders who ran into burning and mangled buildings to save as many lives as they could without regard to their own safety. These selfless men and women are nothing short of heroes.

“Those who seek to inflict terror on our country must know that they do so at their own peril. Although their intent was to cripple the American way of life, the terrorists succeed only in unifying Americans and demonstrating our mighty strength on the world stage.”