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Washington, D.C. – Speaker Nancy Pelosi issued the following statement marking 20 years since the terror attacks of September 11, 2001:
“Twenty years ago, the terror attacks on the morning of September 11th forever changed our nation and the world. These acts of incomprehensible evil left heartbreaking images seared into our collective memory: the Twin Towers collapsing into rubble on the streets of Manhattan, smoke billowing from the Pentagon, Flight 93 crashing down in a Pennsylvania field. We hold dear the memories of the 3,000 beautiful souls who perished in the attacks and pray for them and their families, who have endured unimaginable pain and sorrow.
“Yet, the story of September 11, 2001 is also one of extraordinary heroism and hope: from the first responders who charged into danger with courage beyond measure to the everyday Americans who came together to help New York neighborhoods rebuild from the ashes. Indeed, in one of our nation’s darkest moments, Americans forged unity in the anguish of loss, strength in the shadow of fear and hope in the face of despair – proving to the world the indomitability of the American spirit.
“Today, and every day, we reaffirm our sacred commitment to pay tribute to the fallen, the survivors and the heroes. With the 2010 James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act, and its reauthorization in 2015, Congress secured vital health services and medical benefits for those battling long-term illness as a result of the attacks. In 2019, Congress enacted the Never Forget the Heroes Act to finally, fully provide the financial support and security that the survivors, heroes and their families deserve. By ordering a new declassification review of documents related to the attacks, President Biden is taking a step to honor the right of every American to know the truth behind that dark day. And this year, as we mark the end of the war in Afghanistan, our nation salutes the brave heroes in the military, intelligence and diplomatic communities who served courageously overseas.
“Though the rubble has been cleared, the fires extinguished and our cities rebuilt, the painful memories of September 11th remain forever etched in the hearts of every American, inspiring us to come together to build a more peaceful future for generations to come.”
