Source: United States Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND)
BISMARCK – U.S. Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND), a member of the Senate Armed Services and Senate Veterans’ Affairs committees, issued the following statement today on the 20th anniversary of the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001:
“Twenty years ago, the United States experienced one of the darkest moments in its history. Terrorists hijacked four airplanes with the intent of killing Americans and attacking symbols of democracy and the freedoms we hold dear.
“Today we remember the 2,977 innocent lives taken by those evil acts. We grieve with the loved ones of those who perished, and we thank the brave first responders who ran toward the chaos and put their own lives in jeopardy to save others. We also recognize that, while these events happened decades ago, they are still costing us innocent lives, most recently with American service members perishing while serving overseas in Afghanistan.
“While we lament the loss of life and promise to never forget that fateful day, we take solace in knowing the terrorists’ efforts to destroy the American way of life were unsuccessful.
“In the days that followed the attacks on September 11, 2001, we united as a country and showed the world what makes us so great. We came together to care for those who were hurt, to help each other grieve, and to commit to bringing those who carried out these acts of evil to justice.
“One way we can all honor our fallen, fellow citizens is by living as free Americans, unashamed of exercising our God-given liberties. I hope North Dakotans will join me in praying for our nation and giving thanks to God for the wonderful country He has given us.”