WASHINGTON - Today, Rep. Byron Donalds (R-FL) issued the following statement to recognize the 20th anniversary of the attacks on September 11th, 2001.

“What started as a beautiful September day turned into a day riddled with terror that shaped America and the world for eternity. While the evil face of terrorism rocked our nation to its core, America did not fold; we only grew stronger. Through the worst of times in our history, the best of America shined through the carnage, and we wiped away our tears and faced our fears united behind the Red, White, and Blue. Strangers became saviors; heroes enacted their heroism; bonds remained unbroken, and we rallied around our great American flag. 

“May we Never Forget the nearly 3,000 lives lost at the wicked hands of radical Islamic terrorists in Lower Manhattan, the Pentagon, and Shanksville, Pennsylvania. The gaping hole created by this devastating loss of life will never go away, but the memories of the victims will live on forever. Our nation must never forget the bravery embodied by the men and women of the New York City Fire, Police, and Port Authority Department, officials at the Pentagon, and the people who risked their lives to help their neighbor. 

“On this 20th anniversary, we find ourselves facing the rise in the same terrorism that crippled our nation two decades ago. Following the hasty withdrawal from Afghanistan, the same savages that orchestrated the 9/11 attacks have regained power and are now more emboldened than ever. As we continue to mourn the loss of 13 servicemen and women, the realities of terrorism have reopened the wounds created since the terror attacks and through wartime. We must ensure that the service and sacrifice of our Armed Forces since 9/11 remains not in vain.  

 
“Lastly, let us not forget the survivors of 9/11. Many of those who survived the bloodshed were left permanently impacted by what they experienced, and sadly countless survivors have died due to 9/11 related complications. Those still alive suffer from debilitating physical and mental illnesses such as PTSD, cancer, and other rare diseases. To many of us, 20 years seems like yesterday, but as we remember this sorrowful day, let us not forget September 12th, the day we united as one, as Americans. May we Never Forget.”  


                                                                                                                                                                                                                ###