Washington, D.C. — 

U.S. Senator John Thune (R-S.D.), Chairman of the Senate Republican Conference, released the following statement today on the 12^th anniversary of the September 11, 2001, attacks:

“Our country and world were forever changed by the September 11^th attacks on the Pentagon, World Trade Center, and Flight 93. In the face of these cowardly attacks, the American spirit prevailed, and out of tragedy our country banded together in acts of courage, kindness, and heroism. Today we remember the lives of the nearly 3,000 men and women who were tragically taken from their loved ones and the heroic first responders who risked their lives to save others. We also give thanks to the brave men and women of the military who continue to defend our liberties both at home and abroad.”