Never Forget.
Friends,
Black smoke against a bright blue sky. Firefighters and police officers rushing into burning buildings. American flags and candlelight vigils.
It's been 20 years. But the images of 9/11 and the pain felt that day remain as fresh as ever.
Twenty years ago, thousands of people prepared for work, hundreds were boarding flights, officers were putting on their badge and firefighters reporting to their stations – all for the last time.
Twenty years ago, Al-Qaeda terrorists robbed more than 3,000 individuals of their lives.
But twenty years later, we remember.
Like you, I remember exactly where I was when I heard the twin towers in New York City had been struck by an airplane. Ironically, I was on a trip to Washington, D.C. and was in the Capitol building with the Cabarrus and Rowan County Chambers of Commerce. After seeing the second plane hit and realizing we were under attack, I immediately stopped and prayed for the safety and well-being of those trapped in the towers and our first responders.
While people ran for safety from burning buildings that day, our first responders sprinted towards their finest hour. Many made the ultimate sacrifice for their fellow man and will never be forgotten.
Now, two decades later, my heart is with those who lost a loved one in the senseless violence. This includes a generation of children, now college-aged, robbed of a chance to grow up with their mom or dad. Thousands of parents, siblings and friends lost 20 years of making memories. And many first responders who lost coworkers, friends or relatives continue to bear scars and health complications from that day. They were heroes then and remain so today.
In the aftermath of 9/11, new heroes were also made by those who answered the call to wear our nation's uniform. That included so many from our community and I am grateful for their service and sacrifice, as well as that of their families, each and every day.
Twenty years later, our community tragically continues to sacrifice.
Just over two weeks ago, Fort Bragg lost yet another hero when SSG Ryan Knauss died in the attack during the withdrawal from Afghanistan. Ryan was just 2 years old on 9/11. His loss is a painful and heartbreaking reminder of the cost of war which followed that fateful day.
While troops are no longer in Afghanistan, President Biden's botched withdrawal has added insult to injury as thousands of American citizens and allies, as well as billions in military equipment, remain left behind in the hands of the Taliban. Now the brutal Taliban regime is prepared to form a new Afghan government full of terrorists and enemies to our nation, all while the Biden administration relies on them for the safety of our citizens.
Nearly two weeks since American forces left, I am continuing to work with over 1,200 people still on the ground in Afghanistan who need to be evacuated. We need strong vetting protocols in place for all those who have left or will leave the country, but I will not stop until every citizen and partner in Afghanistan get to safety. Failing to fulfil that promise is an insult to the service of so many troops who fought and died there, in addition to every life lost on 9/11.
Anger and sadness always come to mind on each anniversary of 9/11. That is inevitable. However, I am also reminded of the incredible American resolve and spirit seen in the days following the attacks. Americans of all backgrounds, colors, creeds and political parties joined hands in love of our country.
Twenty years since 9/11, our country faces many new and unique challenges. Yet despite our shortcomings, I remain optimistic for our future. Like in the days following 9/11, we know we can accomplish anything when we are united. Let us all resolve to remember that spirit and keep alive the memory of all those lost.
Never forget.
Until next week,
Richard Hudson
Member of Congress