WASHINGTON — Today, Congressman Vern Buchanan issued the following statement on the 24th anniversary of the tragic September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks:
“Today marks 24 years since the 9/11 attacks that took 2,977 innocent lives. We honor the victims, their families and the heroes who rose that horrific day to show the world that America still stood.
“I was at the Sarasota–Bradenton Airport that day to meet with President Bush after his visit to a local elementary school. Instead of meeting with the president, I watched as he rushed to Air Force One to lead our country in its darkest hour.
“I will never forget the resolve he showed in that moment and in the months after, and I proudly display this picture in my office as a reminder: we must never bow to those who seek to divide us.
“America’s darkest day was 9/11, but its brightest was 9/12. As we reflect on the anniversary of this national tragedy, the heartbreaking death of Charlie Kirk and the deadly shooting in Colorado, I pray that we can come together and stand against violence in all forms.
“May God bless the United States of America.”
