U.S. Rep. Nick Rahall (D-WV) issued the following statement on the eve of the 7th anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks. 

“As we mark the 7th anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks, we remember the thousands of innocent Americans who lost their lives that day, and we extend our highest prayers to their families, friends, and loved ones.  We thank God for the freedom which Americans enjoy—a freedom for which American lives were lost.” 

“We are also reminded that freedom does not come free.  Thousands of Americans—first  responders, military service and guard members, law enforcement officials, medical personnel, volunteers—continue to devote themselves, day-in and day-out, to protecting the innocent in times of disaster and tragedy, risking their owns lives to do so.”

“Over the last seven years, thousands of Americans, both in and out of government, have worked tirelessly to improve the security of our Nation.  Much progress has been made, but much work remains to be done.  My number-one duty as a member of Congress is to protect the people of West Virginia and the United States and to ensure that such a terrible tragedy never happens again.  As we move forward, I will work hard to keep our homeland secure and to seek out and defeat terrorist organizations around the world.”

Tomorrow, Congressman Rahall will attend the dedication ceremony of the 9/11 Memorial at the Pentagon.  He will be joined by Huntington residents Dr. Ken and Sharon Ambrose, whose son, Dr. Paul Ambrose, was one of the 184 lives lost in the Pentagon and on American Airlines Flight 77 during the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001.