Crapo Statement on the 20th Anniversary of the 9/11 Terrorist Attacks

Washington, D.C.--U.S. Senator Mike Crapo (R-Idaho) issued the following statement on the twentieth anniversary of the Tuesday, September 11, 2001 (9/11), terrorist attacks: 

“Two decades ago today, a group of al-Qaeda terrorists coordinated four deliberate attacks in the United States, killing thousands of innocent Americans, including Idahoans Brady Kay Howell, of Sugar City, and Ronald J. Vauk, of Nampa. 

“In the ensuing days, Americans turned horror and grief into greatness.  We stood resolute in our efforts to rebuild together and to mourn our many losses.  We heard stories of bravery on United Airlines Flight 93 and within the flames of the World Trade Towers and the Pentagon.  Many individuals simply doing their jobs--firemen, police officers, Emergency Medical Services professionals and volunteers--worked to recover as many victims from Ground Zero as possible.  We cared for neighbors, loved ones and strangers alike.  We lifted each other up while an external enemy sought to tear us down. 

“Thousands of American servicemembers in the 20 years since have fought against terrorism and extremist threats across the globe.  They have faced unfathomable danger to keep Americans safe and to protect our overall national security.  They have done so with valor, courage and distinction.  Many lost their lives while serving our country, others live with visible and debilitating injuries, and many more continue to suffer unimaginable pain from invisible wounds. 

“The United States recently completed its military withdrawal from Afghanistan.  Thirteen courageous, young servicemembers were killed in a terrorist attack while conducting operations to evacuate innocent American civilians and Afghan allies from the country.  Although we have withdrawn from a country laden with terrorist activities and individuals, we cannot let up on our commitment to thwart terror internationally.  Terrorism is a global scourge on freedom and democracy, and I remain committed to policies at the federal level that will prevent horrors like this from happening again. 

“I will never forget the lives lost on that dark day two decades ago and in the years since.  I continue to pray for those affected by the attacks that day as well as for the servicemembers killed in action and their loved ones, those still suffering here at home, and the safety of those continuing to risk their lives to keep Americans and our nation safe.” 

If you are a veteran or know of a veteran suffering from invisible pains of war, please contact the Veterans Crisis Line at 1-800-273-8255; then press 1. 

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