“Today, our fellow citizens, our way of life, our very freedom came under attack in a series of deliberate and deadly terrorist acts. The victims were in airplanes or in their offices: secretaries, business men and women, military and federal workers, moms and dads, friends and neighbors. Thousands of lives were suddenly ended by evil, despicable acts of terror. The pictures of airplanes flying into buildings, fires burning, huge – huge structures collapsing have filled us with disbelief, terrible sadness and a quiet, unyielding anger. These acts of mass murder were intended to frighten our nation into chaos and retreat. But they have failed. Our country is strong. A great people has been moved to defend a great nation.” – President George W. Bush, in his televised address to the nation on September 11, 2001
Twenty-five years ago today, America came under attack when four commercial airplanes were hijacked and used as weapons of mass destruction by the Islamic terrorist organization al-Qaeda, resulting in the collapse of the Twin Towers at New York’s World Trade Center and extensive damage and casualties at the Pentagon. A fourth plane, reportedly bound for Washington, D.C., never reached its intended target as passengers fought back against the terrorists and forced a crash landing of the plane in a Pennsylvania field. Those passengers’ selfless actions helped save countless lives at the cost of their own.
Nearly 3,000 Americans were killed on that fateful day, including more than 215 with direct ties to Massachusetts and more than 400 first responders who perished while saving others. We will never forget the many acts of heroism and compassion that took place on September 11, 2001. As we observe today’s somber anniversary, the members of the House Republican Caucus join with Americans everywhere to honor the memories of those whose lives were tragically cut short and were taken far too soon from their family, friends and loved ones on September 11. We will never forget them.
