Flag placed in a name of a victim of the 9/11 attacks at the Ground Zero memorial in New York.

Sept. 11 is traditionally a day for politicians to reflect on their thoughts and remembrances of that day in 2001.

Today was no different. Inside the blog are some comments from local office holders about the day. You can read them by clicking here.

Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers, R-Wash. 

“Eleven years ago, our country was forever changed by the attacks on the World Trade Center, the Pentagon, and Flight 93. Today, we remember the thousands of victims who lost their lives and honor the heroes who selflessly worked to save those inside. We should never forget the courage, bravery and compassion of the human spirit that was exhibited that day.

“More than a decade later, we still stand firm in our resolve to fight the War on Terror and eliminate terrorist groups around the world. Our top priority must continue to be protecting the security and freedom of our country and citizens.

 “I want to thank the men and women who serve in our military, especially those stationed at Fairchild Air Force Base. They continue to play a valuable role in our nation’s fight against terror and are helping to keep us safe.

 “It is also important to honor our community’s first responders – our police, firefighters, and paramedics. They risk their lives daily to keep us safe and we must never forget to show them how grateful we are for their work and sacrifice.”

Sen. Patty Murray, D-Wash.

“Today is a day to remember the events of September 11^th, 2001 and to honor the memory of those lost in that day’s senseless acts of terror. Although we lost so much, we got through it and came together as a nation. And we have seen that the United States has so many heroes willing to sacrifice so much to protect our families and the freedoms that were attacked 11 years ago today, including those in uniform serving in Afghanistan and across the globe. On September 11^th, as on all days, we should recommit to supporting our veterans and making sure they have the support and services they’ve earned when they come back home.”

 

Sen. Maria Cantwell, D-Wash.

“Today we honor the thousands of Americans who lost their lives on September 11, and we extend our deepest sympathies to their families and loved ones. We also remember the tremendous heroism displayed during that darkest of days and afterwards. And we honor the sacrifice of the troops who continue to defend America at home and overseas.

 “Today, more than a decade after the horrific September 11 attacks, the wounds are still deep. Our loss is still felt in the empty seats at dinner tables and high school graduations, in the missing colleagues at firehouses and police stations, and in the neighborhoods where loved ones never came home.

“But for all the destruction that took place on 9/11, our enemies’ mission failed. Because on that day and the years that have followed, Americans have come together to show our resolve and resilience as a nation.

 “In the aftermath of the attacks, Americans immediately came together and found ways to help each other. For many that meant giving blood, donating to relief efforts, lending a hand to grieving families or enlisting in the Armed Services. Washington state first responders flew to New York and our nation’s capital to assist in search and rescue efforts. And a spontaneous vigil at the Seattle Center drew more than 30,000 Washingtonians to display their support for the victims of the attack.

 “Today, we remember these heroic actions that demonstrated the strength and resilience of the American people. We pay tribute to the victims of the September 11th attacks, and to those who defend our freedom and our communities every day.”

 

  

State Sen. Mike Baumgartner, R-Spokane  

“Today we remember the terrorist attacks that shook our nation and caused so much suffering 11 years ago. We keep those who lost their lives in our thoughts always, and today more than ever. I hope that the families of those lost in the attacks have been able to find some kind of solace in the years since they lost their loved ones.”

 “On this day we are also reminded of our war in Afghanistan that was precipitated by those acts of terrorism, and the burdens the long duration of that war have placed on our fighting forces. We must keep in our thoughts the more than 2,000 brave Americans who have died in Afghanistan, in addition to the many, many more coping with grave wounds, facing PTSD and dealing with serious challenges brought on by multiple tours in an unforgiving warzone. Our military forces and our military families have borne a tremendous burden over the past 11 years that must be recognized.”    

 “It is also a moment to reflect on our foreign policy. The attacks of 9/11 necessitated a response, but our expansion of a counterterrorism mission into a full-scale democracy-building effort in one of the most remote countries in the world has proven to be a misguided and costly endeavor. We need to end this war, pull our troops out of Afghanistan, and refocus our efforts on those more directly related to keeping Americans safe from terrorists.”

 

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