Six years ago this morning, the face of America changed. In fact, it was permanently altered by the appearance of an unforeseen threat inside our own borders and in a hostile world abroad. "Never Again" was our demand, and American foreign policy has set out in an effort to ensure just that.
Virginia is often forgotten when people speak of 9/11, but one of the four planes lost that fateful morning crashed into the Pentagon, just below the Virginia hills of Arlington where so many of America's heroes maintain perpetual watch. The murderous crash took the lives of the 59 innocents aboard and 125 people inside the building. We must never forget the day that 19 hell-bent individuals took it upon themselves to destroy the lives of so many Americans. We must hold on to the resolve we had in the months after the 9/11 attack to ensure that such devastation will never again happen on American soil.
As we reflect on the events of 9/11, we must consider the recent reappearance of Usama Bin Laden. The fact that he is still alive is surprising indeed. His comments and vigor indicate that he is very much in charge of al Qaeda.
We asked the Governor that saw us through the tragedy of 9/11 and lead the early efforts to recover and improve our security, to reflect on the past six years and what he feels we must do to move forward on the heels of another bin Laden video. Here is what former Virginia Governor Jim Gilmore told
The Virginian Federalist:
We must redouble our efforts to catch those who threaten our security. Osama bin Laden is at the top of that list. Our nation and our citizens are not safe and we will see additional attacks if we do not act. We must do more and that includes better cooperation between agencies and between the federal, state and local governments.
Update: Here are some comments from our other elected officials.
Lieutenant Governor Bill Bolling in a press release this morning:
First, we owe a great debt of thanks to President Bush, who has stood strong in his resolve to prosecute and win the war on terror, even though numerous politicians and pundits have done all they could to make his task difficult. While some have tried to make the war on terror an albatross around the President’s neck, the truth is that his resolve in fighting and winning the war on terror will likely be remembered as his greatest contribution to our country and the world.
Second, we owe a great debt of thanks to the men and women of the United States Military who have faithfully gone into harms way to combat those who would do harm to our nation and our people and bring them to justice. The members of the U.S. armed forces are truly the best among us, and it is because of their efforts that we have the privilege of living in the greatest nation on the face of the earth.
Governor Tim Kaine made the following proclamation today:
I join all Virginians in honoring those who lost their lives that day, and urge the citizens of the Commonwealth to reflect on the daily service and sacrifice of our first responders, firefighters, police officers, and members of our armed forces
Let us use this sixth anniversary of 9/11 as a time to set a new priority to commit ourselves to offer service to others. The America that we know, and the Commonwealth that was attacked six years ago, is at its best and shines its brightest when we each give of ourselves in service to others.
Presidential Candidate Mitt Romney had this to say in a press release today:
On this day, radical Islamists brought terror to our shores. It is hard for our minds to contemplate a human darkness so vile that it celebrates murder and the destruction of innocent lives. But we can honor the bright memories of the fallen. Each person, whether taken in unknowing sacrifice or resigned to death after heroic struggle, stands in our mind's eye in the brilliant light of faith and patriotism. In the years since 9/11, the spreading evil of radical Jihad has been visited on other cities around the world. Yet, our resolve remains strong. From soldiers guarding our liberty on foreign shores to those of us living under the umbrella of the protection they provide, we are united in remembering loved ones lost on that day and in our determination to protect our homeland from future attacks.
Attorney General McDonnell just released the following statement:
Today, we pause to remember one of the darkest days in the history of our country and our Commonwealth. On September 11th, 2001 a brilliant early fall day was shattered by the violent acts of radical Islamic terrorists. On that day we lost thousands of our fellow Americans. They died simply because they were Americans, and believers in freedom and democracy. For the families and friends of those that were lost, an enduring void exists in their lives.
In the panic of September 11th we also witnessed the unflinching courage of the men and women of our military and law enforcement. These brave public servants rushed up stairs as others ran down, and charged into burning buildings that others pushed to escape. In the following days, months, and years the drama of the moment has faded, but the valor of that heroic service has remained constant.
Our President deserves a debt of gratitude for his leadership in this trying time. On September 12th, 2001, and over the following years, conversations spoke only of “when” not “if” our nation would be hit again. Yet six years later, the American homeland has not been struck. Three Virginia Governors have served during this time: Jim Gilmore, Mark Warner, and Tim Kaine. They too deserve the same debt of gratitude for their leadership.
We know, because of our geography, military installations, and critical infrastructure, Virginia is the site of a number of potential terrorist targets. Yet, thanks to the leadership of President Bush, our Virginia Governors, and all the men and women who serve in our military and law enforcement, our country and our Commonwealth are secure, and we find peace from increased security on our shores. September 11th will never be forgotten. Today, let us resolve to continue to do all that is necessary to ensure that it is never repeated.
To which we simply add:
Never Forget.
Read More. . . .
If there is one question Republicans and Democrats seem to agree on, it’s why is Osama Bin Laden still alive? His recent video stands as an intended slap in the face of our efforts to find him. Many speculated that he must have died in the past three years of silence.