Anybody old enough to remember this day fifteen years ago is taking pause today to reflect on where we were, where we've been and where we're going as a nation. Among them in the political ranks are Congressman Fred Upton and Michigan Attorney General Bill Schuette, who both issued statements this morning. Here is what they had to say:
Congressman Fred Upton:
Most of us remember where we were on September 11, 2011, when we learned of the attacks on our country – the iconic Twin Towers of the World Trade Center in New York City, the Pentagon in Washington, D.C., a plane headed for our nation’s Capitol that was crashed into a field near Shanksville, Pa., by brave passengers who banded together to overcome terrorists who had taken control.
Almost 3,000 people died in the attacks.
My usual route to work takes me past the Pentagon, and I actually drove through its parking as a shortcut that morning, before American Airlines Flight 77 was deliberately crashed into the side of the building at 9:37 a.m. that fateful day. And I drove back through that smoke to return to the Capitol later that afternoon.
I could see the smoke and hear the wail of sirens as first responders rushed to the massive fire that collapsed part of the Pentagon walls. I watched on TV as the Twin Towers smoldered and eventually cascaded into mountains of twisted steel beams and concrete rubble.
It was day of raw emotion and unfathomable horror at what had happened here on our homeland.
Even before the dust had settled, first responders rushed in to help the survivors, performed countless acts of heroism, and comforted the loved ones of those lost. Leaders appeared. Pandemonium gave way to control in the days and weeks that followed.
But we as individuals, families and communities – even those far from the scenes of devastation – united to help by sending trained personnel, food, and prayers to those in the affected areas.
We have rallied. We have rebuilt. One World Trade Center rises 1,776 feet at the site of the Lower Manhattan complex — the height a nod to our country’s birth date. The Pentagon has been restored. The Flight 93 National Memorial is part of the National Park Service in Pennsylvania.
Today is a day where we remember all those who lost their lives or loved ones, as well as those who have taken up the mantle to ensure our country remains safe and secure. Let us remember the public safety officers and first responders who braved the wreckage of the Twin Towers in search of survivors.
While our view was forever changed because of the attacks – now 15 years gone by – we today remain ever committed to the unshakable ideals of life, liberty, and security. As our nation’s wounds continue to heal, may these timeless principles continue to guide us and keep us united.
Have a great rest of the weekend and God bless,
-Fred
Michigan Attorney General Bill Schuette:
"Today we remember those that lost their lives on one of the darkest days in our nation's history. Nearly 3,000 men, women and children perished in the attacks at the World Trade Center, the Pentagon and aboard Flight 93 that crashed near Shanksville, Pa. 15 years ago today. We have not, and will never, forget that day. Nor will we forget the brave men and women of our armed forces who have made the ultimate sacrifice defending our country from those who threaten our democracy."
The photo of Congressman Fred Upton above was taken when ground was broken for the Resiliency Plaza project in downtown Benton Harbor, preserving a steel beam from the World Trade Center towers.
The photo below was taken a year ago when Resiliency Plaza was dedicated at that site alongside the Benton Harbor Public Library and directly across the street from the Benton Harbor Department of Public Safety at City Hall.
