Political Quotes

“earlier today we paused and commemorated those who lost their lives on September 11, 2001. Eighteen years have passed, but the memory of that day remains as vivid as if it were yesterday. We each have our own recollections of where we were and what we were doing as the horrifying terrorist attacks on our country began to unfold. I remember having the television on and watching a report that a plane-- originally reported as a small plane--had struck one of the Twin Towers. I then shortly thereafter saw the second aircraft strike the World Trade Center. It was then that I knew our country was under attack. I told my staff to stay away from the Capitol Building because I feared it, too, could be a target. Today, we all still share the powerful emotions of shock, anger, and grief. I was worried about not only my staff, those in the buildings, but also staff members who were on their way back from Portland, ME, which turns out to be where some of the terrorists began their journey of death and destruction that day. On the evening of that terrible day, Members of Congress gathered together on the steps of the U.S. Capitol. With tears in our eyes and sorrow in our hearts, together we sang ``God Bless America.'' The emotions of shock, anger, and grief were joined by unity, resolve, and patriotism. That sense that swept over us as we sang was a source of strength in the challenges that we faced in the fight against terrorism. So many were killed that horrific day.…”