Washington, DC -- Congressman Maurice Hinchey (D-NY) today released the following statement on the 11th anniversary of the September 11 attacks.

"My thoughts and prayers continue to be with the victims of the September 11th attacks and their families.  We continue to mourn the loss of innocent life and offer support for the survivors -- many of whom continue to struggle with the physical and emotional scars of that day. 

"We will never make sense of that tragic day.  But out of one of the darkest moments in our history we saw the self-sacrifice and heroism that has defined our nation.  While we lost so many innocent lives that day, we realize that the death toll would have undoubtedly been far greater were it not for the heroic efforts of our first responders -- many of whom gave their own lives to save the lives of others.  We are also grateful for the heroic efforts of our service members who went to Afghanistan in order to help bring justice to those who perpetrated these terrorist attacks and to those who continue to do extraordinary work to protect our nation.

"Today is a day for all Americans to reflect on the tragedy of 11 years ago, to remember the victims, and to be thankful for the heroes of that day and today.  It is easy to get wrapped up in the day to day routine of life.  Too often we take tomorrow for granted without ever truly having it guaranteed.  So as we remember those who we lost on that day, we hug our own loved ones a little tighter today and make sure that we cherish each day in this great land.

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