Statements on 9/11 anniversary - WKOW 27: Madison, WI Breaking News, Weather and Sports

Local, state and federal lawmakers and organizations are marking the September 11th anniversary by releasing the following statements:

Congresswoman Tammy Baldwin (D-Wisconsin) released the following statement remembering September 11, 2001:

"We pause today to remember the victims of the September 11^th attacks and their families and to pay tribute to the courageous first responders who selflessly rushed into danger to protect others.

"Let us remember above all that, on a day marred by unspeakable acts of violence and inhumanity, we also witnessed acts of breathtaking bravery, generosity, and kindness on the part of individuals, communities, and nations.  On that brilliant fall day, and in the days that followed, our differences fell away as we were bound together by love of country and concern for one another.  We stood together as one nation under God, indivisible.

"Let us use this day of remembrance to recall the better angels of our nature, rekindling our national sense of unity and caring for each other with compassion and respect."

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U.S. Senator Ron Johnson (R-Wisconsin), a member of the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs, made the following statement regarding the 11th anniversary of the September 11th terror attacks:

"Eleven years ago, the United States was attacked by Islamic terrorists opposed to freedom and intent upon destroying our way of life. Since that day, the men and women of our Armed Services, intelligence communities, police, firefighters, and other public safety officials have worked diligently to ensure that the attacks of 9/11 are not repeated. 

"Today, let us remember the victims of that cowardly assault, and pray that their surviving friends and family have been able to find some measure of comfort and peace. We should also give thanks to all those who have sacrificed to defend our freedom and protect America."

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Tommy Thompson released the following statement reflecting on the tragic events of September 11, 2001. Thompson served as Health and Human Services Secretary at the time of the terrorist attacks. The next day, he was at Ground Zero orchestrating the largest activation of the national disaster medical system in our nation's history.

"Eleven years ago today, the resolve of our country was tested. Families across America witnessed as our nation came under attack. Although we were shaken, we did not falter. I will never forget the unwavering strength Americans, especially first responders, demonstrated at Ground Zero that day. As both individuals and as a nation, we came together to grieve for the loved ones we lost and to rally against unspeakable evil. Together, we showed the world that the American spirit could not be broken.

"As we reflect upon the events of September 11, 2001, we are reminded that freedom isn't free. We live in the greatest country in the world because our men and women in uniform bravely put their lives at risk to defend not only our nation, but those constitutional freedoms we enjoy each and every day. I encourage people in Wisconsin and across the nation to take a moment to reflect upon those we have lost and to honor those who are bravely fighting today."

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Today, Governor Scott Walker ordered flags to be lowered in remembrance of the tragedy that took place on September 11, 2001.

"Today, Wisconsin mourns the tragedy that took place on September 11th, 2001," said Governor Scott Walker.  "It is important to remember the price individuals have paid for the freedoms we enjoy today.  When those who want to destroy our nation senselessly kill innocent civilians, we respond by banding together and moving forward."

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Today, Mitt Romney and Paul Ryan made the following statements on September 11^th:

Gov. Romney: "Eleven years ago, evil descended upon our country, taking thousands of lives in an unspeakable attack against innocents. America will never forget those who perished.  America will never stop caring for the loved ones they left behind. And America shall remain ever vigilant against those who would do us harm. Today we again extend our most profound gratitude to our brave troops who have gone into battle, some never to return, so that we may live in peace. On this most somber day, those who would attack us should know that we are united, one nation under God, in our determination to stop them and to stand tall for peace and freedom at home and across the world."

Congressman Ryan: "Eleven years ago today, from Capitol Hill, I could see the smoke rising from the fires burning in the Pentagon. Like all Americans, I will never forget the moment that our homeland came under attack. For me, this is a day to remember those who perished on that day of terror, including the first responders. It is also a day to pay tribute to all those who have worked quietly and tirelessly both on the home front and abroad to prevent a repetition of such terrible events. And it is a day to give honor to those in our military who have sacrificed so much, including their lives, for the same end.  Their courage and heroism and willingness to answer the call of duty have kept America safe and strong and free.  We are truly the home of the brave."

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Republican National Committee (RNC) Chairman Reince Priebus and RNC Co-Chair Sharon Day released the following statement on the eleventh anniversary of September 11th:

"Today we pause to remember those we lost eleven years ago on September 11, 2001," said RNC Chairman Reince Priebus. "In prayer and in silence across America, we will honor the innocent lives lost in senseless acts of evil. We will remember, too, the acts of selfless valor witnessed that day. From patriots on Flight 93 to the first responders who courageously worked to save their fellow Americans, the bravery in the midst of terror inspired and united a nation."

"We owe unyielding gratitude to our military men and women who have died defending our freedom, and we continue to pray for those serving overseas. We honor all who brought justice to those who brought hate to our shores, and we remain committed to a strong national defense against the terrorists and extremists who to this day seek to do us harm."

"We all remember that dark day, where we were and what we were doing," said RNC Co-Chair Sharon Day. "But we also remember the lesson we learned: nothing can destroy the American spirit. If we remain steadfast in our defense of liberty, our children will inherit a more peaceful world.

"May God bring comfort to the families of the victims of 9/11 this day, and may He always bless the United States of America."