Video: Pappas Commemorates the 19th Anniversary of the Attacks of September 11, 2001
Today, on the 19th anniversary of the attacks of September 11, 2001, Congressman Chris Pappas(NH-01) released a video honoring the memory of the 2,977 people killed in New York City, Washington, DC, and Shanksville, Pennsylvania by an act of terrorism.
"Each year on this day, we reaffirm our commitment to remembering the lives and legacies of the 2,977 souls who were taken far too soon by this act of terrorism," Rep. Pappas said in the video. "And while we rightly remember those we lost today, we also remember the resilience and spirit of the American people who, through their shock and grief, came together to meet that moment with grit, determination, and compassion."
"Americans are again facing another unprecedented challenge with the COVID-19 pandemic and economic crisis," continued Pappas. "But like the days and weeks following September 11th, in these last few months - amid the hardship and difficulty - the best of the American spirit has prevailed. While we may be socially distant, we are closer than ever before. This pandemic has shown that we are all connected and that we all in this together."
Click here to watch the full video.
Below are his full remarks:
It has been 19 years since the calm of a Tuesday morning was shattered by explosions and sirens, and a clear blue September sky was marred by billowing smoke and flame.
September 11th changed our country and our world forever.
And while it has been nearly two decades, the memory of those we lost in the Twin Towers, at the Pentagon, and in Pennsylvania has not been forgotten. And it will never be forgotten.
Each year on this day, we reaffirm our commitment to remembering the lives and legacies of the 2,977 souls who were taken far too soon by this act of terrorism.
And while we rightly remember those we lost today, we also remember the resilience and spirit of the American people who, through their shock and grief, came together to meet that moment with grit, determination, and compassion.
We remember the first responders who, while others were running away from danger, they ran towards the fire and the unknown to save who they could.
And we remember the thousands of American service members, many who volunteered that very day to defend America from a yet unknown enemy. They protected this country and helped bring those responsible to justice.
Americans are again facing another unprecedented challenge with the COVID-19 pandemic and economic crisis.
But like the days and weeks following September 11th, in these last few months - amid the hardship and difficulty - the best of the American spirit has prevailed.
While we may be socially distant, we are closer than ever before. This pandemic has shown that we are all connected and that we all in this together.
We are seeing firsthand that New Hampshire and America still possess the same resolve and spirit that got us through the darkest moments of September 11 and the days that followed.
I know we will get through this.
And we will come out stronger than ever before if we keep working together with a sense of common purpose and resolve.
Thank you.
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