Nineteen years ago today, America was attacked. In many ways, America has never been the same.
“September 11, 2001 will forever be marked as one of our country’s darkest days, as it changed our lives forever,” Gov. Kay Ivey said. “Almost two decades later, we still grieve the loss of the nearly 3,000 American lives and continue to honor the memory of our friends, loved ones and family who were simply passengers on a flight, folks going to work, and police officers and first responders serving their community.”
“Today reminds us that who we are as people and a nation is much bigger than anything that can divide us,” Ivey continued. “On a day that was meant to break our country, these evil acts only served as a means to unify our country more than ever. My hope and prayer for our country is that we never forget those who were lost and the sacrifices we made in the days that followed. Strangers helping others find safety fleeing danger, first responders literally carrying our nation on their backs, and the grief we collectively shared will inevitably be a part of remembering 9/11.”
“As this great nation continues to forge on, may the loved ones who feel the pain of this day know we have not forgotten our heroes, and we will never forget September 11, 2001,” Ivey concluded. “May God continue to bless those who mourn, the great state of Alabama, and these United States of America!”
“May we never forget the innocent lives lost 19 years ago today,” said Speaker of the House Mac McCutcheon. “May we never forget the heroism our first responders displayed amidst the unthinkable. Today, we must find the same American spirit we felt on that day by uniting our common goals for the country we know and love.”
State Rep. Dickie Drake, R-Leeds, said, “The events of 9/11 occurred almost two decades ago, yet the images they produced remain fresh to those of us who witnessed them on television and lived through the days that followed.”
“I encourage all Alabamians to pause today to remember the lost, the injured, and the brave of 9/11,” Drake added. “Recall the strong spirit of patriotism that resulted from those events, and let us each resolve to focus more upon what unites us as Americans rather than what divides us during the turbulent times that currently challenge us.”
“Police officers and firefighters ran into danger in order to lead others out of it. Passengers on Flight 93 fought evil in the skies so that others might be spared,” Drake said. “And all who lost their lives in the Twin Towers, the Pentagon, and a remote field in Shanksville, Pennsylvania continue to be mourned by those they left behind.”
“Although this day brings about grievous memories, I am reminded today of the well-known photograph of three New York City firefighters raising the American Flag at Ground Zero of the World Trade Center following the attacks,” said Congresswoman Martha Roby. “During the country’s darkest hours, the American Flag served as a symbol of hope for a heartbroken nation. This image still stands as a reminder that our country will always persevere, no matter what may come our way.”
“The victims of that fateful day and the heroes who emerged will live forever in the hearts of the American people,” Roby said. “Today and every day, we remember their brave sacrifice. I hope Alabamians will join me in marking this day by remembering those we lost: the first responders who ran into flaming buildings, the soldiers who volunteered to serve in the aftermath, the bystanders, and many more. My deepest prayers remain with the families of those who lost loved ones.”
“Our world was forever changed on September 11th, 2001 when our country was attacked, unprovoked, by terrorists,” said Senate candidate Tommy Tuberville. “We will never forget the sacrifice so many made, and the lives lost, on that day.”
Alabama Republican Party Chairman Terry Lathan is making a pilgrimage to visit ground zero today. “America’s Mayor-2nd to none in leadership,” Lathan said of then NYC Mayor Rudi Giuliani. “Still beloved in NYC. America needs patriots and leaders like Rudy Giuliani. Visiting NYC at the steel beam found standing in the 9/11 rubble shaped in a cross. Run toward the light…Evil failed on 9/11.”
“19 years ago today, the greatest nation in the history of the world was shaken to its core!” said Alabama Secretary of State John Merrill. “Unfortunately for those who wish to do us harm, they awakened a sleeping giant! The resilience, the resourcefulness, the dedication of our people was demonstrated once again! It always will be! #NeverForget911.”
“Everyone has a memory from 9/11,” said State Sen. Cam Ward, R-Alabaster. “I keep this ticket from my plane flight to Washington, DC that September morning. I keep it to remind me how fast life can take unexpected turn. A lot of things have changed since then, including the fact that I have two daughters who were born after that date, but my memories of that day never fade. May God Bless all of those who lost a loved one on 9/11. I hope that our nation always pays tribute to those heroes.”
“In many ways, our history is now divided into before 9/11 and after 9/11,” State Auditor Jim Zeigler said. “Airport security measures were overhauled, and the Department of Homeland Security was created. A colossal surveillance state has seeped into the lives of ordinary Americans, and generally, Americans have become more aware, even suspicious, of those around us.”
“As we reflect on the tragedy of 9/11 on this nineteenth anniversary of the attacks, we should never forget the horror of that day,” Zeigler continued. “We should never forget the many families who lost loved ones. We should also never forget that although America’s spirit was wounded that sad day, it was not crushed.”
Zeigler concluded: “Following the attacks of 9/11, President George W. Bush remarked, “Terrorist attacks can shake the foundations of our biggest buildings, but they cannot touch the foundation of America. These acts shattered steel, but they cannot dent the steel of America’s resolve.” Perhaps this 19th anniversary is a good time to remind us of the strength of America. Just as we should never forget 9/11, we also should never forget the indomitable American spirit we witnessed after the attacks.”
