Schakowsky Statement on the 17th Anniversary of September 11th

Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky, a Chief Deputy Whip, released the following statement on the 17th Anniversary of September 11th:

“Seventeen years ago today, thousands of innocent American lives were lost in a haze of fire and steel that would change the world forever. Today, we take a moment as a country to remember, mourn and honor those lives. We remember the men and women who died in the World Trade Center, the Pentagon, and on United Airlines Flight 93, which was bravely stopped from hitting its intended target – the US Capitol. We mourn the brave first responders who ran into directly into harm’s way, and in many cases gave their lives saving others. In the 17 years since 9/11, more than 600 first responders who survived that day have died as a result of their bravery. We honor the scores of men and women who have served in our armed services and have perished on foreign lands to ensure that our country is safe.

“Seventeen years after the defining tragedy of our era, we must continue to make sure that the lives lost on 9/11 and since then are not forgotten. As we remember, mourn, and honor those lives, we can also take steps to act. We must ensure that first responders and veterans of our military have the high-quality care that they deserve.

“Though September 11th was one of the darkest days in our nation’s history, it will also be remembered as a time when Americans came together to stand as one nation. We must remain vigilant to work against the violence and hatred witnessed eleven years ago and build a world in which people of all beliefs and backgrounds can live in peace.”