Capito Statement On 9/11 Anniversary

Statement

For a decade, Americans have mourned the loss of thousands of innocent victims who were killed in New York City, the Pentagon and United Flight 93 on September 11, 2001. We have grieved with families who lost loved ones and united as a country against the terrorists who executed the attack.

We have made great strides in counterterrorism. The killing of Osama Bin-Laden was both tactically and emotionally fulfilling. That stride was ebbed by the killing of 22 Navy Seals, proving the difficult reality that cowards in caves still seek harm against Americans at home and abroad. Thanks to the brave men and women in the Armed Forces and intelligence agencies who work tirelessly defending our nation, we have not sustained another attack on American soil.

In the days, weeks and months following 9/11, the outpouring of support was unprecedented. Thousands of first responders quickly attended to those in need, providing much needed help and emotional support. Families sent food, clothes and monies to aid victims. TV, radio, and newspapers were filled with sentiments of "USA! USA!" and "God Bless America!" Sadness, fear, anger and resentment were replaced by patriotism and prayer.

Fast forward a decade; a tangible feeling of frustration lingers in the halls of Washington and even at dinner tables across our country. Americans are disillusioned with the constant bickering in Washington and the unwillingness to emphasize that what unites us as Americans far outweighs what divides us along political lines. Anyone who follows the news may be convinced that we're a nation divided.

As we remember the innocent victims of 9/11 and those who perished defending our freedom in Iraq and Afghanistan, let us remember that feeling of unity experienced following that fateful September event. Regardless of race, religion, creed, or party, we stood united by an unwavering belief in freedom and the desire to pass on a safer, stronger, more prosperous nation to our kids and grandkids.

We will never stop debating the best direction for our country because we care so deeply about it. The political rhetoric may portray sensationalism, yet it projects free expression and political discourse central to our very democracy.

I ask West Virginians to join me in honoring those killed on 9/11 and pray for their families, as this decade anniversary will be especially heartbreaking.

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