VIRGINIA BEACH, VA – Today, Congresswoman Elaine Luria issued the following statement on the 19-year anniversary of the terrorist attacks that took place on September 11, 2001:
“Today, we remember the 2,977 lives we lost on September 11, 2001, and the courageous first responders who put their lives in harm’s way to save others on that dark day. We must never forget the courage shown by the passengers aboard United Airlines Flight 93 when they sacrificed their lives to avert an attack, the valor of the first responders who ran into burning buildings to check for survivors, and the servicemembers who are away from home, fighting to defend our nation from threats.”
“Nineteen years ago, today, I was standing watch on the reactor plant aboard USS HARRY S TRUMAN when I heard the horrific news of the attacks. That night, I renewed my commitment to serve our nation. I spent the next sixteen years fighting for our country in the U.S. Navy and working with countless brave men and women who risked their lives to protect the freedoms we enjoy at home. We must always honor those who perished that day, the firemen and first responders still suffering from the health consequences of their service on September 11, and the servicemembers who gave their lives to our nation.”
Since taking office last year, Congresswoman Luria has worked to properly memorialize those who died in the aftermath of the 9/11 attacks and assist those affected by this tragedy. Last year, she voted for and cosponsored the Never Forget the Heroes: James Zadroga, Ray Pfeifer, and Luis Alvarez Permanent Authorization of the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund Act. This bipartisan bill, which became law, ensures that the September 11 Victim Compensation Fund (VCF) is fully funded and will allow victims to file claims until October 2090. The VCF was created to provide relief for any individual who suffered physical harm during the 9/11 attacks. She also cosponsored the National NEVER FORGET Act, which would designate the Freedom Flag as a national symbol of our commitment to revering and remembering those we lost on September 11.
About the Author
9/11 is a memory that for sure I’ll never forget. What I’ll also never forget are the shameless politicians who abuse the memory of those heroes and that day for tooting their own horn years later.
Shallow I believe is the appropriate word.