Thirteen years ago today – on a day not much different than this one – our nation changed forever.
The September 11th, 2001 terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center towers in New York City, the Pentagon in Washington, D.C. and the downing of Flight 93 in Pennsylvania trust our county into unfamiliar territory: attacked on our own soil in a war unknown to most Americans.
For thousands, that day saw the loss of an innocent father or mother, son or daughter, friend or neighbor – including 18 Bucks County residents. Today we remember, with love and respect, all those who passed tragically, as well as those who still morn their absence today.
With pride, we also recall those who rushed to help in the wake of those events: First responders, volunteers, members of the military – all ordinary Americans who answered the call, regardless of safety or cost. Their actions united our nation and rallied our spirits in a time when it might have been easier to recoil in pain or fear.
In the years since the September 11th attacks, our nation has changed, but we’ve also become stronger and more resilient.
However, our nation and our world are once again confronted with the tactics of terror and destruction. Similarly today, we must rise together and speak with one voice in opposition to evil and intimidation. Regardless of religion, location or political party we stand as proud Americans with a singleness of purpose.
On this, the 13th Anniversary of the 9/11 attacks, I join with millions, here and abroad, in praying for peace and justice in the troubled places of our world. We pray for comfort and closure for all those affected by loss or heartbreak on that devastating day. And we honor all those who continue to stand in the defense of freedom and liberty, at home or abroad.
Thank you, and God bless the United States of America.