Chairman Carper Statement on the Anniversary of the September 11th Terrorist Attacks

WASHINGTON – Today, Sen. Tom Carper (D-Del.), Chairman of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, released the following statement in observance of the anniversary of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks in New York, Washington and Pennsylvania:

“Thirteen years ago today, our nation was shocked to witness terrorist attacks occurring on our homeland. Americans across the country, and the others around the world, watched these tragic events unfold before their eyes. In the days, weeks and months following the attacks, we mourned the loved ones we lost, but we also became stronger as a nation in our resolve to move forward and rebuild in their memory. Our nation fundamentally changed that day.

“Today, it is important that we not only reflect on all that we lost, but also on the sense of unity that brought us closer together as a nation in the wake of an unspeakable tragedy. We owe it to the victims and their loved ones to reinvigorate that force of good and renew our commitment to that spirit of unity our nation embraced that day and in the months that followed.

“This anniversary also provides us with an important opportunity to think about all the efforts and sacrifices we have taken to secure our country since that fateful day, as well as the challenges that lie ahead. We must remain vigilant and remember that our nation still faces great challenges that threaten our safety at home. One of my guiding principles is if it’s not perfect, make it better. In this spirit, our committee, our colleagues in Congress, and the President must continue its work to improve America’s defenses against terrorism and other evolving threats.”