Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa:
“Eleven years ago, our nation suffered an incredible tragedy. We lost thousands of lives, and the security of the United States was severely threatened. We gather every year since to remember the events of that day and honor those who died. Today, we remember the 2,753 people whose lives were taken from them on that terrible day.
The terrorist attacks of September 11th, 2001, were an unprecedented event on United States soil. In true American fashion, we rose out of this dark time stronger than ever before.”
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Congresswoman Janice Hahn:
“We all remember exactly where we were eleven years ago today when we first heard the unthinkable news that two planes–less than 20 minutes apart–had crashed into the World Trade Center. Nearly 3,000 people died in the crashes in New York, Virginia and Pennsylvania. Thousands of others were injured in the recovery and aftermath. September 11th shook our country and changed all of our lives forever.
“As a nation, our journey since 9/11 has been long and difficult and there is still more work that needs to be done. But it has also demonstrated the finest qualities that define us–teamwork, bravery, selflessness, resolve and determination. We remember the passengers who took control of an airplane and, in turn, saved thousands of others. We remember the firefighters and police officers who donned their uniforms and ran unflinchingly into burning buildings. And we remember, and honor, our young men and women who witnessed 9/11 and saw it as a patriotic calling to serve our country in uniform.
It is said that the passage of time helps to heal. But no amount of time can bring back the souls that were lost that day and no amount of time can heal the broken hearts of the families and friends still suffering from the loss of loved ones.
“Today, a new tower is being built from the ashes at Ground Zero, rising towards the heavens from its base, a memorial listing the name of each victim.
This represents the hope of a better tomorrow–the hope that I feel, mixed with sadness, every time I remember that bright September morning.
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Supervisor Michael D. Antonovich:
September 11th, 2001, was a dawn that will see no sunset. I was in Washington, D.C., on that fateful day and witnessed the devastating aftermath of the attack on the Pentagon.
Today, we remember those that perished in Washington, Pennsylvania and in the World Trade Center, the heroic first responders and the men and women in our armed services fighting to protect our nation.
To prevent future acts of terror, we must never forget September 11th and remain vigilant and prepared in our efforts to combat global terrorism.
