Wildwood Congressman Addresses Sept. 11 Anniversary

The following statement was issued this morning by Wildwood-based U.S. Congressman Todd Akin, R-MO:  “This year marks the 10th anniversary of the terrorist attacks of September 11th. On that day, America lost more than 3,000 innocent men, women and children. Over 300 foreign nationals were also murdered. This historic, but terrible day has been permanently etched in the hearts, minds and souls of most every American. As we think back to the events of that fateful day, I am not only reminded of the tragedy that families and friends suffered as loved ones were taken from us by such an cowardly act, but also the examples of selfless courage that were also seen that day in New York, Washington D.C., and the skies over Pennsylvania.

“The actions that were carried out by evil men stand in stark contrast with the goodness, ideals and sacrifice that Americans share at their core. With the Pentagon burning, military service members rushed to the aid of their fellow brothers and sisters in arms; with the Twin Towers ablaze firefighters and police officers rushed into the buildings so that they could save others; and in an airplane flying on a perilous trajectory, a group of Americans decided together to take control from the terrorists and through their actions saved the lives of countless more of their fellow citizens, while sacrificing themselves.

“The terrorists of September 11th had hoped that their actions would somehow change America by instilling fear into the hearts of its citizenry. But they were badly mistaken. Where terrorists would choose the taking of lives, Americans chose sacrifice; where terrorists would choose cowardice, Americans chose courage; where terrorists believed in selfishness Americans chose unity.

“And while our thoughts of that terrible day are somber and saddened by the enormous loss of life and innocence, we should take heart in the actions of the bravest of our citizenry who acted selflessly in order to aid and protect others.”

Editor's Note:  As a U.S. Congressman, Akin serves on three committees: Armed Services, Science and Technology, and Budget. He has taken a leading role in issues related to national security and international affairs. In the 111th Congress, he served as the Ranking Member on the Armed Services Subcommittee on Seapower and Projection Forces. In the 112th Congress, he was chosen as Chairman of the Armed Services Subcommittee on Seapower and Projection Forces.