Remembering 9-11

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Sue Rezin (R-Peru), released the following statement on the anniversary of the September 11th, 2001 terrorist attacks.

“As we now mark the 13th anniversary of the terrorist attacks of September 11th, 2001, it can be hard to talk about that day without saying the same things we’ve said over and over. But I think much of what was appropriate over the last 13 years still rings true today.

That day stands as a major change in the lives of Americans and people all over this world. For many of us, it was a major shift in our consciousness that we were vulnerable here at home. Despite the horrific atrocities of two World Wars, Korea, Vietnam, and numerous other engagements, we hadn’t had to face a large death toll on the soil of the continental United States. We always felt we were safe here, and they, (they being the nameless faceless of a multitude of global villains) couldn’t get us here at home. We were wrong.

The aftermath of the attacks led to changes in our nation’s foreign policy, led to two major wars abroad, and changed how we travel, dealing with far stricter security at every airport. We learned we have to be more vigilant. We discovered that as technology makes the world a smaller place, it also creates new avenues of attack for our enemies.

Thousands of American lives have been lost since then, in places like Afghanistan and Iraq, in the name of the War on Terror. While those wars officially wound down, we’ve watched news reports and we know that the terrorists aren’t finished yet. Just because the troops pulled out of this country or another, it doesn’t mean the real fight has ended.

So as we remember those lost on the 9-11 attacks today, we also must honor the lives of those have given their last full measure of devotion since then, in the war on terror. We must realize that this larger war isn’t over, and we will likely lose many more of our loved ones in the future.

Our freedoms and way of life have been paid for by the bloodshed of our bravest citizens since 1776. It was not a one-time bill. We need to remember this every day, that our lives and our freedoms have come with a great cost.

9-11 brought the largest wave of patriotism that I have witnessed in my life. I still see more flags flying today than before that terrible day. We came together and we realized we had to fight for our country.

So to me, the most important thing to remember today, and every day, is that the fight continues. And our support for each other and our country needs to continue as well. We are all in this together, despite those minor differences we often see. This is our country, and it will prevail, because we are strong. We are united, and we will not be silenced.

As we look to these future challenges and trials that face us a nation, we pray for those who will serve on the front lines abroad, and the first responders who will protect the homeland. We ask the Lord to grant our leaders the wisdom and knowledge to make the right decisions to save lives and keep us safe. And more than anything we pray that our enemies will be enlightened to the joys of peace, and the benefits of nonviolent solutions. We ask this so that someday we may all live together under the canopy of heaven as one family of people.

I would like to thank everyone who has served in our armed forces, or serves today. Thank you for your service. And let’s not forget the families who support our brave young men and women. Thank you for your sacrifice.

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