King Statement on Ninth Anniversary of September 11th Terrorist Attacks
September 10, 2010
We should show proper respect to the memories of those who died by respecting the solemn places where they perished
Today, ¬U.S. Rep. Peter T. King (R-NY), Ranking Member of the Committee on Homeland Security, issued the following statement regarding the nine-year anniversary of the September 11th terrorist attacks against the United States:
“This weekend, Americans across the country will pause to commemorate this somber anniversary and remember the nearly 3,000 innocent victims killed nine years ago in New York City, at the Pentagon, and in Shanksville, Pennsylvania. On this anniversary, and beyond, we should show proper respect to the memories of those who died by respecting the solemn places where they perished.
“As we give thanks for the first responders who heroically ran to these sites to rescue victims, our federal government must properly support them. Tragically, many of these first responders – firefighters, police officers, and other emergency workers – are dying from exposure to Ground Zero toxins and are in desperate need of medical care.
“We thank the men and women of our armed forces, law enforcement officers, and members of the Intelligence Community who have saved innumerable American lives through their tireless efforts.
“As we remember the victims, the heroes, and the families of 9/11, we must remain vigilant, as radical Islamic jihadists, who have pledged allegiance to al-Qaeda and other terror networks, continue to target our nation. Since last year’s 9/11 anniversary, terrorists have continued in their quest to attack our homeland and kill more innocent Americans. In the past year alone, we have seen attacks at Fort Hood, Times Square and aboard Northwest Flight 253, as well as plots to blow up the New York City subway system and federal buildings in Dallas and Springfield, Illinois.
“As our citizens remain vigilant, our federal government must remain diligent. Congress and the Obama Administration must work together in a cooperative and constructive manner to ensure that our military, Intelligence Community and state and local law enforcement have the resources to protect Americans from the terrorists who seek to kill us.”