U.S. Senator John Thune (R-S.D.), Chairman of the Senate Republican Conference, released the following statement today regarding the 11th anniversary of the September 11, 2001, attacks on the Pentagon, the World Trade Center, and Flight 93 that crashed in Pennsylvania after heroic actions by passengers:
“Today marks 11 years since the terrorist attacks on the Pentagon, the World Trade Center, and Flight 93, and we pause to remember the lives of the nearly 3,000 men and women who were tragically taken from their loved ones by terrorists determined to destroy our nation and our way of life. In the midst of unspeakable heartbreak, our country watched as neighbors banded together in spite of tremendous loss, and everyday heroes reminded us that freedom and liberty are gifts that must always be protected. I join all Americans today in expressing my gratitude for the sacrifice of the many men and women who continue to defend these freedoms. Despite the efforts of those who try to harm us, we remain a free people united in protecting and preserving a stronger America for generations to come.”