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McCollum Statement on the 20th Anniversary of 9/11

September 10, 2021

Congresswoman Betty McCollum (MN-04), the only member of the current Minnesota congressional delegation serving in Congress on September 11, 2001, released the following statement today ahead of tomorrow's 20th anniversary of the terrorist attack:

"On September 11, 2001, I could see the smoke rising from the Pentagon as my staff and I fled our Washington D.C. office. The horror of that morning in New York, at the Pentagon, and in a field in Pennsylvania is part of our history as Americans. It is impossible to reflect on this anniversary and not feel lingering anger, grief, and sadness.

"The thousands of victims of 9/11 were lost on that day in a moment, but the loved ones they left behind have spent 20 years mourning and adapting to their lives without family members, confidants, coworkers, and friends. After two decades, the pain of their loss does not go away. Today as a nation, we once again mourn with the families and remember the courage of the First Responders who risked their lives in hope of saving others.

"We must remain vigilant to the threats facing our nation, both foreign and domestic. Together let us look to the future with hope and resolve that we will embody the lessons that unified us in those fateful days, weeks, and months following 9/11 and stand together in the face of terror to defend our values: our commitment to freedom, our shared sense of purpose, and our pursuit of liberty and justice for all. That's what makes us Americans. We will defend against those who would seek to extinguish our ideals.

"May God bless the souls lost on September 11, 2001, and their families. Once again we extend our most profound gratitude to all the men and women who have served these two decades in the Armed Forces, the Intelligence Community, and law enforcement agencies who have sacrificed so much to keep the American people and our nation safe."

Congresswoman McCollum will attend the 9/11 Day of Remembrance at the Minnesota State Capitol on Saturday, September 11. The event will be livestreamed here.

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