HENRICO, V.A. — U.S. Representative Abigail Spanberger today released the following statement on the 20th anniversary of the September 11, 2001 terror attacks.

“Today, I am thinking of the nearly 3,000 people who died 20 years ago. They began the day like so many others — going to the office, checking in at the airport, reporting to the firehouse — but they never returned home. They were murdered by a horrific attack on our country.

“In the face of the attack, Americans rallied together in our collective grief. We learned of the bravery of the firefighters and volunteers who ran up the World Trade Center towers and into the burning Pentagon as people fled. We heard the stories of the flight attendants and pilots who tried to protect their passengers, and we all reflected on the heroism of the passengers of Flight 93 who — knowing they couldn’t save themselves — saved the fourth intended target and everyone in it. And as we all mourned, brave first responders and volunteers answered the call, spending months in New York, Virginia, and Pennsylvania combing through rubble to return the lost to their families. Many of them have suffered lifelong health challenges as a result of their exposures to the smoldering rubble.

“In the wake of the attack, many Americans were inspired to serve our country — and today, we remember and honor the servicemembers and civilians who have died in our country’s Global War on Terror. They devoted their lives to protecting our country, our people, and our freedom.

“So much has changed in the 20 years since September 11, 2001. And on this day, I hope we all take time to remember the sacrifice, the bravery, the heroism, and the community we all witnessed, experienced, and sought in the aftermath of the attack. I hope we will reflect on the strength and beauty of our country and our people and recommit to finding a common sense of community and purpose — in honor of everyone we have lost since that fateful day.”

###