Newsletter: Remembering September 11

Statement

Dear Friends,

Today we mark the 14th anniversary of the deadliest foreign attack on American soil. On a bright late summer day, 19 terrorists killed 2,977 innocents in New York, at the Pentagon and in Shanksville, Pa.

Their intention was to break our spirit. In that, they failed. Americans rallied to rescue survivors, rebuild and fight back.

For me, the most important lesson of 9/11 is the enduring strength of the American people. As President George W. Bush said in the aftermath, "These acts shattered steel, but they cannot dent the steel of American resolve."

At the World Trade Center, 1.8 million tons of steel and concrete were removed to make way for the National September 11 Memorial. In the four years since its dedication, more than 21 million people have visited.

In Idaho, we have several 9/11 memorials. These are places to reflect on a senseless tragedy, the selfless courage of first responders and the steadfast resolve that sustains us.

Steel from the World Trade Center is featured in memorials at Nampa's Fire Station No. 1, the World Trade Center 9/11 Memorial in Boise's Riverside Park and the Firefighter Memorial in Rexburg. At the POST Academy in Meridian, a broken stone is painted in the image of the Twin Towers and the American flag.

Coeur d'Alene's Cherry Hill Park has both a 9/11 Memorial Playground and Fallen Heroes Plaza. The playground includes a play structure in the shape of giant firefighter helmet and law enforcement play vehicles. In the plaza, basalt columns represent the Twin Towers and five large sculptures depict police officers and firefighters. It is fitting that children born after September 11, 2001, visit the plaza to honor the fallen and learn about the strength of character that makes America great.

We must never forget the loss of that terrible day, nor its lessons of hope and determination. Whether you are able to visit a memorial or not, I hope you'll join me in praying for the victims and their families, and for our armed forces who keep us safe in uncertain times.

Source