BURLINGTON, VT—U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.) today released the following statement on the 25th anniversary of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks:
“September 11th is a day that America will never forget. The pain of the attacks is felt to this day in New York, Virginia, Pennsylvania, and across the country. We are still reeling. On the 25th anniversary of 9/11, we come together as a nation to remember the nearly 3,000 victims, and grieve with their families, friends, and loved ones.
“Today, we hold the survivors of the attacks close, and we honor the brave Americans who ran toward disaster that day—firefighters, law enforcement, EMTs, nurses, doctors and health professionals, service members, and everyday citizens—many of whom suffered health complications in the years following the attacks.
“Many of us still have vivid memories of where we were 25 years ago today. I was in a courthouse in Burlington, and will never forget the feeling of fear as clerks and law enforcement came running in with the news that the World Trade Center was hit. At the time, my son taught in a high school in lower Manhattan. When I heard he was safe I was relieved, but then horrified as the magnitude of the attacks unfolded.
“Vermonters answered the call of duty immediately after the attacks. Our National Guard was deployed to Manhattan after the attacks, where they bravely guarded the city’s airspace around Ground Zero. Our state is proud to have helped secure New York, and Vermonters thank the Guard for their service in the dark days following the attacks.
“Ultimately, it was America’s commitment to community that helped our nation endure. Our collective perseverance, tenacity, and strength got us through those dark, terrifying days. We still need that same commitment to our community, our neighbors, and our fellow Americans—25 years after the attacks, and always.”
Later today, Senator Welch will join current and retired members of the Vermont National Guard at a remembrance ceremony. The event will be held at the Vermont National Guard Base.
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