Brooklyn, NY-- Congressman Ed Towns (D - NY10) released the following statement today, regarding the commemoration of September 11, 2001:
 
 "Today, our nation and our city commemorate the fifth year marking the worst terrorist attack in America's history.  This is a solemn day for all Americans.  Thousands of people lost their lives at the World Trade Center, the Pentagon and on the ill-fated United Flight 93 that the heroes aboard crashed into a field in Shanksville, Pennsylvania.  Our nation will never forget those who were lost or injured.
 
 "September 11 and everyday is a day to honor those lost and injured, as well as the courage and heroism of the first responders - and in some cases the civilians turned rescuers - who selflessly put their own lives in harm's way as they sought to help their fellow citizens. 

"The horrific attacks of 9/11 awakened our nation and the American people to a mortal danger that threatens our way of life and our very existence.  We need to be committed and resolved to protect the American people and our homeland; we have no higher duty.

"The War in Iraq is putting a strain on our ability to protect the homeland and on our military readiness.  U.S. military readiness levels have now dropped to historic lows.  We must focus our resources on the capture of Osama bin Laden and his deputy Ayman al-Zawahiri and to destroy the entire al Qaeda network.   
 
"If we are serious about protecting the homeland, we must fund and implement all of the 9/11 Commission’s recommendations including; screening 100% of containers and cargo bound for the U.S. in ships and planes; providing first responders with equipment, employing more border patrol agents, and implementing a unified terror watch list to screen airline passengers.

"As we commemorate September 11, 2001, we must not lose sight of the real War on Terror."

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