Politics

On the Ninth Anniversary of September 11

By Speaker Pelosi

Every year on September 11, our nation stops to remember the thousands who perished on that fateful morning nine years ago. This day provides us an opportunity to grieve and to reconnect to the spirit of unity Americans felt in the days after that horrendous terrorist attack.

This day, and every day, we recommit to our first responsibility as elected officials: to protect the American people. And we rededicate ourselves to the values that make our country great: freedom, equality, and opportunity.

On September 11, 2001, America stood in shock at the tragedy that unfolded at Ground Zero. On that day, we stood in awe of the brave firefighters and other first responders who ran into the Twin Towers to save others? lives ? with hundreds of them thereby sacrificing their own lives.

In the days that followed, we also stood inspired by the thousands of firefighters, rescue workers, first responders, medical personnel and construction workers who traveled to the scene of the attack to help New Yorkers clean up and recover. We have an obligation to these heroes who never asked for any recognition, but who deserve to live out their lives with health. The James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act will help those who jeopardized their health to save others.

9/11 is a day that is met with solemnity and remembrance. We will always honor those whom we lost that day.

Full post as published by The Gavel on September 10, 2010 (boomark / email).