WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI) released the following statement on the 23rd anniversary of the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001:
“On this somber day, 23 years ago, a terrorist attack took the lives of 2,977 Americans and forever changed our nation. The day of the attack, our nation felt immense sorrow and heartbreak, but in the aftermath, Americans rallied to show our enemies that we are stronger when we come together. As time goes on, we must never forget those who lost their lives that horrific day and the heroic first responders who risked their safety and ran headfirst into danger, as well as the servicemembers and veterans who served in the Global War on Terrorism.”
“In the years since this horrific attack, the threats that face our nation have continued to evolve. We must be prepared to protect American communities from harm, and I am committed to ensuring that our federal government has the appropriate tools to address persistent and emerging security threats – both foreign and domestic – while building a resilient democracy that respects the civil rights and civil liberties of Americans at home.”
“On September 11th, 2001, our nation experienced one of our darkest moments. As we remember this tragic anniversary and think of the families whose loved ones never came home, we must continue to stand together to solve the tough challenges of tomorrow and defend our freedoms for future generations.”
Peters serves as Chairman of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee as well as a member of the Armed Services Committee. Peters volunteered for the U.S. Navy Reserve at age 34, where he earned a Seabee Combat Warfare Specialist designation and rose to the rank of Lieutenant Commander. After the September 11th terrorist attacks, he volunteered again for drilling status and served overseas as part of his Reserve duty. He later earned a diploma from the College of Naval Command and Staff, U.S. Naval War College.
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