Washington, D.C. — Today, on the 20th anniversary of the September 11 attacks, Center for American Progress President and CEO Patrick Gaspard issued the following statement:
Two decades after one of the darkest days in American history, we honor the memories of those who perished in the 9/11 attacks. The passage of time has done little to blunt the shock and pain of all that we lost that day, both for the generation that bore witness and those who have come of age in a world reshaped in that instant. We remember the nearly 3,000 lives lost at the World Trade Center; at the Pentagon; and aboard Flight 93, where passengers and crew bravely fought back and prevented a cataclysmic attack on the U.S. Capitol. With continued and endless awe, we honor the inspiring first responders who risked everything to save others that day.
This is also a time to reflect on and memorialize the sacrifices of the many who gave their lives in the aftermath of this horror in order to eradicate terror: American service members, allied service members, aid workers, journalists, and countless civilians across three war zones who tragically paid the ultimate price. We also recognize the rise in Islamophobia since the 9/11 attacks. We must remain committed to countering hatred, violence, and discrimination, as we must continue to protect our national security without compromising our ideals and commitment to freedom and human rights for all. There will be continued reflections on the lessons of history that we must apply beyond this anniversary, but today we look toward the skies, remember those souls lost to the world, and honor them with our commitment to promote and protect precious freedoms.
For more information or to speak with an expert, please contact Sam Hananel at [email protected].