21 years ago, our lives as Americans changed forever.
September 11th stands as one of the darkest days in living memory. Some experienced the painful loss of their beloved friends, family members, and coworkers – all of those whom we mourn, and whose memory we honor today.
That day stands as a testament to the courage and sacrifice of the passengers aboard Flight 93, the first responders, the servicemembers, and of every American who, in their own ways, helped our nation pick up the broken pieces and rebuild.
I first heard the news of the attacks as I stood watch on the reactor plant aboard the USS Harry S Truman. It changed something in me and so many others for good. We felt compelled to protect our fellow Americans, to serve our country, and to fiercely defend its principles.
I’ve carried that sense of duty for the last 21 years, during my time in the Navy and beyond. I’m honored to serve on the Armed Services, Veterans Affairs, and Homeland Security committees in Congress, to ensure the well-being and care of our servicemembers and that our nation never faces such an attack again.
And I will continue to defend our nation’s democracy from those who seek to destroy it, whether foreign or domestic.
We will never forget those whose lives were lost 21 years ago today, and my heart is with their families and loved ones. May their memories be a blessing.
Sincerely,
Elaine Luria
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