WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine) released the following statement in honor of the 19th anniversary of the September 11th, 2001 terrorist attacks:

“On September 11th, 2001, unthinkable terror struck at the heart of our nation,” said Senator King. “Across the country, Americans watched together in horror as terrorist attacks claimed the lives of nearly 3,000 innocent people – those who were simply going about their daily business, and those who undertook heroic efforts to help those in need. These vicious acts of hate sought to strike at our very values, but they did not succeed; in the dark days that followed, the strength of America shone through.

“We take this day to remember those who were lost on that terrible day. We take this day to honor the first responders, who put themselves at risk to serve others. And we take this day to also call to mind the national sense of unity that that shone through so brightly in the aftermath of these attacks, and the resilience of the American people when facing times of crisis. Nineteen years ago, we banded together to protect one another, and responded to unknown dangers with love, bravery and tolerance – for the sake of our country, we must summon these better angels once again.”