DeLauro Statement on the 19th Anniversary of the Attacks on September 11, 2001

NEW HAVEN, C.T. —Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro (CT-03) issued the following statement marking 19 years since the terror attacks of September 11, 2001:

"Today, we remember. We share. We mourn. Our ceremonies and traditions take a different form this year, but nonetheless, we honor the lives taken from us, their families, and their loved ones. We honor the brave first responders and civilians who ran toward the flames on September 11, 2001, not away and carry the scars and illnesses with them forever.

"Like so many people around the world, every year on September 11, I reflect on where I was and what I felt when I found out the Twin Towers fell, when the Pentagon was struck, and when Flight 93 was brought down in Pennsylvania. Members of Congress were urged to leave the Capitol and evacuated from the House office buildings. Security would not allow us to return, so we gathered on the Capitol steps for a brief statement by the House and Senate leaders.

"We stood together at that moment. What I recall most vividly was what followed the statements, when Members of both parties spontaneously held each other and sang God Bless America. In the wake of tragedy, we chose strength and unity over fear. This sentiment has guided our nation through the hardest of times and helped Americans carry on, even with the heaviest of hearts.

"My prayers are with New York and the entire nation as we collectively grieve and recognize our resilience. Let us always stand shoulder to shoulder with our neighbors who mourn. And, let us never forget, that on this day 19 years ago, villainy was met with valor, and hate was met with hope. May we hold each other close."