Dear John,

It’s hard to believe it’s been 21 years since America was forever changed by the brutal murder of nearly 3,000 innocent citizens by terrorists. American ideals were challenged, but our resiliency was not deterred by hatred.

From unspeakable evil, a new generation of heroes emerged. Men and women who joined our all-volunteer military to bring the fight to those who sought to destroy us. We are humbled by their service and sacrifice.

Tragically, eleven years later in Benghazi, American ideals were again tested when four Americans – Ambassador Chris Stevens, information officer Sean Smith, and former Navy SEALs Tyrone Woods and Glen Doherty - were killed in service to our country. These heroes are always in our hearts.

Each September 11th, we take a moment to honor our fellow Americans who were lost on that fateful day and in the years since. We honor the heroes who rushed into burning buildings to save strangers. We express gratitude for the men and women who sacrificed so much to keep us safe. May God bless the Americans we lost, the servicemen and women who protect us and may God bless America.

Best regards,

C. Scott Franklin
Member of Congress