WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Ben Cardin (D-Md.) released the following statement to commemorate the anniversary of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks against the United States.
“September 11, 2001 is etched in my memory forever. Like so many others, I will always remember the sights, the sounds and the feelings I experienced on that day with the horror of terrorists hitting the World Trade Center and Pentagon, and then Flight 93 going down in a field in Shanksville, Pa. It seems like yesterday, but incredibly it was 18 years ago that our nation was changed forever. We lost nearly 3,000 innocent lives, including 400 first responders who bravely sacrificed their lives to save others.
“Now, an entire generation has grown up in the shadow of 9/11, adapting to changing security norms as we continue to struggle with a constant tug-of-war between public safety and civil liberties. For better and for worse, the terrorists who attacked America on this fateful day opened both new and old wounds in our American psyche. We mark this anniversary with the knowledge that we are still the proud Americans who came together during a time of great national tragedy. Fear did not win on 9/11 and we will not let it win the day, ever.
“We remember that moment in time 18 years ago with a rededication to public service and a fever to better our society that was threatened by those who used our very freedoms against us. It is important for the legacy of those who perished, for the first responders who still live with wounds from the day, for the survivors, and for new generations yet to come, that we define this day by our unity of purpose and a pledge to continue our fight for a more perfect union. When put to the ultimate test, our compassion, charity and selflessness remained firm.
“My prayer is that this anniversary will forever reawaken our responsibility to stand united as Americans, to challenge hate wherever it may be found, and, in the face of adversity, remain united in our desire for peace, equality and freedom for all.”
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