As a nation, it is time to reflect and remember the nearly 3,000 lives that were lost 20 years ago on a Tuesday in September that is now simply known as 9/11.
It was on that day that a group of terrorists acted to create fear and panic in Americans, but instead served to rally our nation to the cause of fighting terrorism wherever it may exist.
We struggled to comprehend the horrifying images we saw on our televisions that day, but we also found the resolve to push aside the shock and the horror to come together as Americans. As President George W. Bush said in his address to the nation, “This is a day when all Americans from every walk of life unite in our resolve for justice and peace. America has stood down enemies before, and we will do so this time. None of us will ever forget this day. Yet, we go forward to defend freedom and all that is good and just in our world.”
We all remember where we were, and how uncertain the future seemed. I had driven to Texas to move a pastor friend, and heard it on the radio as we drove down the highway.
We thought it was an accident. After the second plane we knew it was on purpose.
It was total shock and we wondered, “Are we in World War Three? Who else will be attacked?”
My assistant was working for a U.S. senator who set up a hotline for Missourians to check on the well-being of their loved ones on airlines, in New York City, or in the Pentagon. They took hundreds of calls from traumatized citizens.
Twenty years later, our nation continues to hold in its heart the memory of the tragic attack that took the lives of so many. And even as we see the tragic missteps that have led to the loss of more lives as our troops withdraw from Afghanistan, we are again reminded of the heroism that inhabits the spirits of our soldiers and all those who have fought so hard in the war on terror. Our nation avoided another major attack because of the willingness of these patriots to answer the call to duty.
During the remembrance of 9/11, Americans will take time to remember and honor all those lives lost due to this cowardly act. This includes the heroes of Flight 93. These were civilians who fought back, giving their lives to prevent what could have been another devastating attack on our nation’s capital.
September 11 is also a time to pay special tribute to the many first responders who risked their lives on that fateful day, and to acknowledge all the emergency responders who continue to protect and serve the American people today. The terrorist attacks represent the deadliest incident for firefighters and law enforcement officers in United States history. The day resulted in the deaths of 343 firefighters and 72 law enforcement officers. These public servants deserve to be honored by the American people for the ultimate sacrifice they made in an effort to save the lives of those in harm’s way.
In Missouri, emergency responders are recognized with Emergency Personnel Appreciation Day, which takes place each year on 9/11. The day is meant to acknowledge, with special gratitude and profound respect, all public safety personnel. Missourians everywhere are encouraged to devote some portion of the day to recognition and solemn contemplation of the sacrifices undertaken by emergency personnel in performance of their duties.
May God bless and keep you and our great nation.
Hardy Billington represents District 152, which includes parts of Butler and Dunklin counties.