It is somewhat hard to believe that eleven years have passed since the tragic events of September 11^th, 2001. As with so many other Americans, I will always remember where I was as our nation was forever changed on that fateful autumn day. As we mark the somber anniversary of this tragedy, I ask that all Georgians join me in pausing to remember the lives lost and sacrifices made in New York City, Washington, D.C. and Shanksville, PA.

Though much has changed over the course of the past eleven years, both in America and around the globe, one constant has remained: the unwavering, impenetrable belief that America is the greatest nation our world has ever seen. That is why we will continue to fight, as we have every day since our nation was born, to protect the freedoms that the United States of America epitomizes.

On the evening of September 11, 2001, President George W. Bush addressed the nation from the Oval Office, delivering remarks that still resonate with so many Americans to this day.

A great people has been moved to defend a great nation. Terrorist attacks can shake the foundations of our biggest buildings, but they cannot touch the foundation of America. These acts shatter steel, but they cannot dent the steel of American resolve. America was targeted for attack because we’re the brightest beacon for freedom and opportunity in the world. And no one will keep that light from shining. Today, our nation saw evil — the very worst of human nature — and we responded with the best of America…

 

Tonight, I ask for your prayers for all those who grieve, for the children whose worlds have been shattered, for all whose sense of safety and security has been threatened. And I pray they will be comforted by a Power greater than any of us, spoken through the ages in Psalm 23:

 

Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil for you are with me.

This is a day when all Americans from every walk of life unite in our resolve for justice and peace. America has stood down enemies before, and we will do so this time. None of us will ever forget this day, yet we go forward to defend freedom and all that is good and just in our world.

A debt of gratitude will forever be owed to the brave American service members, the proud public servants and all Americans who sprung to action in the wake of the unconscionable acts of war upon our nation. I am proud to stand behind our troops as they continue to protect the very core freedoms that we are blessed to enjoy in our country, and I continue to send my prayers to those fighting so that we may be free.

As we move forward as a nation, may we never forget what freedom truly stands for. May God bless each of you, and may God continue to bless the United States of America!

We will never forget.

Sue