Politics

Leader Hoyer and Whip Clyburn on the Seventh Anniversary of 9/11

By Karina

House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer released the following statement commemorating the seventh anniversary of the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001:

On this seventh anniversary of the most horrific terrorist attack in American history, we pause to honor those men, women, and children who were lost or injured at the hands of men wielding a murderous ideology.

We continue to offer our sincere thanks and praise to the heroes ? the first responders and civilians ? who risked their lives to save others. Their sacrifices lit our darkest hour, and their bravery touched our lives.

In the years since, innumerable acts of selflessness, devotion, and courage have sped our recovery. Every day, our men and women in uniform dedicate their lives to protecting all Americans from the dangers that threaten our way of life and very existence. Others work to ensure that those immediately impacted by the events of 9/11 have the care and assistance they need to live full lives. We must not merely remember those men and women on this day, but every day.

May their memories, and the memory of that horrible day, inspire us to meet a challenging new century with all of the resolve that has made America great.

House Majority Whip James E. Clyburn today commented on the seventh anniversary of the September 11 attacks:

Today has appropriately become a national day of remembrance and resolve. I join with my fellow Americans today to remember those innocent souls who died in New York, Washington and Pennsylvania, and those souls who died in brave service to their coworkers, their city and their nation.

Strengthening our national security is a top priority for this Congress. Last year, we passed and the president signed into law the recommendations of the bipartisan, independent 9/11 Commission to strengthen our national security. It established 100 percent screening of cargo on passenger aircraft within three years, established 100 percent scanning of seaborne cargo before it gets to U.S. ports within five years, improved communication resources so first responders can communicate with each other in an emergency, and improved rail and mass transit security.

Today we also resolve to honor the memories of those we lost on 9/11 through public service?by getting more involved in our communities, volunteering and reaching out a hand to those in need. Because it is only by working together that we will make this great nation a more perfect union.

Full post as published by The Gavel on September 11, 2008 (boomark / email).