Larson Statement on the 17th Anniversary of the September 11th Attacks
Washington DC – Today, Congressman John B. Larson(CT-01) released the following statement on the 17th anniversary of the attacks on our country on September 11, 2001 that killed nearly 3,000 people on that morning.
"17 years has passed since that horrific morning, and the pain is still seared in our memory. Our Hartford Office is next to the Hartford Fire Department Engine Co. One and Ladder Co. With the help of our firefighters, we hung a flag with the Fire Station over our office. and urged Americans to fly a flag in solidarity with the victims, their families and friends. We remember the bravery of the fire fighters going up the stairs as they were ushering everyone else down the stairs, to safety. Our hearts still go out to the families and friends of the victims, and the 161 Connecticut affiliated victims that lost their lives that fateful morning, including our friend, Dick Keane of Wethersfield. We should never forget the collective spirit that united us so strongly in that time of crisis, and carries on within us today. In 2001, I released the following statement, which still rings true today:
We are a nation at times divided by political disagreements, but we are forever united by our love of freedom and democracy, our unyielding strength, our defiance in the face of adversity and our compassion for our fellow humans. No amount of terrorism or disruption could possibly shake the immoveable foundation of our 225-year-old country or the collective will of our people. This is a tragedy that words cannot accurately describe.
"We will never forget the victims, and we must continue to remember that what unites us is stronger than what divides us," said Larson.