Washington, DC – U.S. Senator Ben Cardin (D-MD), a senior member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, released the following statement on the 12th anniversary of the Sept. 11 attacks against the U.S.
“Twelve years ago, America was dealt an unspeakable blow, but in the years since, we have continued to rebuke the message of hate that was brought to our door step. What’s more is that we affirm our core American values that were magnified in the days following those attacks. We are still a diverse nation of many races, religions, and ideas united under the same flag. Maybe most importantly, we are still at our best when we come together.
“Every year and every day since 9/11, we are reminded that though we are a strong and determined nation, the wounds we suffered that day 12 years ago will never be fully healed. No amount of time can rationalize the senseless violence, or bring back those lost. We take time to remember those Americans who perished on that day and to remember them and their families with a special prayer. We reflect on the heroism of the firefighters, police officers, medical workers, city officials, and ordinary citizens who gave their own lives trying to save others.
“I also salute the brave members of our military, the intelligence community, Foreign Service officers, and the people entrusted with safe guarding our borders, bridges, air and sea ports, and key infrastructure, who have all made great sacrifices to ensure our continued safety in a post- 9/11 world. Through their efforts, we have brought many of the responsible terrorists, including Osama Bin Laden, to justice and we have made great strides in reducing the capacity for others who wish to do similar harm like was done on 9/11. We have come a long way since that day and we owe so much to these men and women, and especially the families who support them.
“On this solemn day, we join together to show the world that our nation is united, and firmly resolved to defend our freedom and safeguard our liberty against any enemy. On September 11, 2001, we showed the world a brand of resilience, compassion, and strength that could only be made in America. Twelve years after the most heinous attacks in our Nation’s history, we stand tall. We stand tall, not weighed down the gravity of 9-11- but made stronger by it. We remain united in our diversity like no other nation on earth, “…One Nation under G-d, indivisible with liberty and justice for all.”
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