Washington, Sep 11, 2011 - Today, ten years after the attacks on the United States, the nation joins together to recall that bright, clear September day that started like any other.  Today, we tell the stories of where we were when we learned that a plane had crashed into the World Trade Center, and we recall the bravery of the men and women who ran into buildings while victims poured out.  And today, we take stock of how far the nation has come in the last decade.

Like all Americans, I remember with vivid detail exactly where I was when I first heard about the attacks.  I was heading to the United States Capitol for a press conference with several of my colleagues from the Armed Services Committee.  The event was planned to report on the state of infrastructure on US military bases – an important topic, but one which paled in light of the crisis unfolding before the stunned eyes of millions.  

Without knowing whether a hijacked aircraft was flying toward the Capitol, Members, staff, and visitors made their way outside where we saw billowing clouds of black smoke from the Pentagon.  Americans – and all the world – sat by televisions and computers, trying to make sense of the images being broadcast. 

As the day went on, reports came in that United Flight 93, which had been intended for a Washington, DC attack, had been  brought down by a band of brave passengers and crew.  All told, 2,977 victims perished in New York, at the Pentagon, and in a field in Pennsylvania.   Over four hundred first responders, of the thousands who rushed in to help, lost their lives.  The New York City Fire Department lost 343 firefighters and paramedics; the New York City and Port Authority Police Departments lost 60 officers that day.   

Even before the smoke and dust had settled, the men and women tasked with defending our nation and protecting our citizens began investigations and implemented new security measures.  Having been appointed to the House Intelligence Committee over six months prior to that fateful day, I knew that the days ahead would require significant work to understand exactly what had happened and why.

The Intelligence Committee almost immediately began to hold briefings and hearings on the failures leading up to September 11th, and Congress established the National Commission on Terrorist Attacks, which came to be known as the 9-11 Commission, to make recommendations on how laws and policies should be changed to prevent future attacks.  Many laws and other security measures were adopted soon after 9-11.   In 2007, Congress passed and the President signed into law the 9-11 Act, requiring implementation of significant portions of the 9-11 Commission report including 100% cargo screening for passenger aircrafts, strengthening intelligence and information sharing with local law enforcement, and improving rail and transit security.

As a member and then as Chairman of the Intelligence Committee, I worked with my colleagues on the Intelligence Committee to understand how the terrorist acts of September 11th could have occurred, and to use those lessons to revamp the U.S. intelligence community to prevent future attacks.  During my tenure as Chairman, Homeland Security was of the highest priority to the committee.  I fought for additional resources for critical programs, and I worked to expand diversity and increase language capabilities within the Intelligence Community, strengthen human intelligence, and increase information sharing.  

I have heard of and seen firsthand the work of our nation's intelligence professionals to protect us and to bring those who attacked us on September 11th to justice.  On May 2, 2011,  our military and intelligence professionals successfully ended one of the most extensive manhunts in history, killing the mastermind behind 9-11 and other terrorist attacks.  While still Chairman of the Intelligence Committee, I was briefed on the plans for the mission to capture or kill Osama bin Laden which I hope has brought some measure of justice to the families of victims of September 11th, and to those families who lost loved ones in the efforts to bring those responsible to justice.

September 11, 2011 was marked by countless acts of bravery and courage, and millions of Americans did their part: donating blood and money and helping stranded commuters and travelers.  In recognition of those acts of service, President Obama declared September 11th a National Day of Service and Remembrance to honor those who lost their lives.  As I did last year, to help mark this day, I have issued a service challenge to students, and I am proud of the outpouring of effort by so many young people, many of whom are not old enough to recall the events of 9-11, to volunteer in their communities.

We owe a great debt of gratitude to all those who have made our nation a safe place to work and live.  From the firefighters, police officers, and paramedics who saved countless lives, to workers and volunteers who cleaned debris and rebuilt what our enemies sought to destroy.  From local police and firefighters to intelligence analysts and Border Patrol agents to the United States Armed Forces, millions of people have dedicated themselves to homeland and national security so that we can live secure in the knowledge that 24 hours a day, seven days a week, brave men and women stand guard, willing to risk their lives if necessary.

It has been said that even the smallest deed is like a candle that shines light into a dark world.  On September 11, 2001, our world seemed to be a dark place, but when so many people worked together in ways large and small, the light generated overshadowed the efforts of evil men.  Today, we say thank you to the heroes of September 11th and to the heroes who live among us protecting our neighborhoods and families, defending our nation at home and abroad.  

September 11 has indeed changed our nation.  Our enemies sought to strike a blow against the American people, but the attacks made us stronger.  We saw what could be accomplished by working together, and we are united in our fight against those who seek to destroy our nation and our values. 

Sincerely,

Silvestre Reyes
Member of Congress