Source: United States Senator for Illinois Tammy Duckworth
[WASHINGTON, D.C.] – Combat Veteran and U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth, a member of the U.S. Senate Armed Services Committee who served in the Reserve Forces for 23 years, issued the following statement today:
“Twenty years ago today, as two towers fell and a nation began to mourn the nearly 3,000 lives lost, terrorists also changed the course of countless other American lives, in particular those of our servicemembers and military families. I want to honor those lost on that tragic day, as well as all the sacrifices of our military men and women who we’ve sent to Afghanistan in the two decades since.
“Today, I reflect on the bravery and heroism shown by the first responders who ran into danger as others ran away—especially those who never made it home to their families and those who later succumbed to illnesses caused that day. We will never forget them or any of the other victims, and our hearts are with their families and loved ones today—and always.
“In this moment, we must each remember how our nation came together after these heinous attacks—how we worked hard together to rebuild and recover, and how we united regardless of partisan labels. The American people are resilient, and it is our ability to help one another through service to others that best honors the memory of those we lost on 9/11.
“In the days ahead, even as many seek to divide us, I will honor the ones we lost on 9/11 and in Afghanistan by reclaiming that sense of shared purpose. We should all recommit ourselves to helping our fellow Americans, whether that’s by thanking a COVID-19 first responder who put their own health at risk to keep our nation running or by reaching out to our Veterans. That’s how I’ll commemorate this somber anniversary, and I hope you’ll join me.”
Video of the Senator’s remarks can be found here.
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