For Release: Sept. 11, 2006
Contact: J. Tucker Martin or David Clementson
Email: jtmartin@oag.state.va.us or dclementson@oag.state.va.us
Phone: 804-786-2071
Statement of Attorney General Bob McDonnell on 5th Anniversary of September 11th
“We all remember where we were and what we felt as we watched in horror as our nation was attacked by terrorists 5 years ago today. In the attacks in Virginia, New York, and Pennsylvania we lost thousands of our fellow countrymen, and our national life was forever altered. We learned on that early September morning that there are those who hate the personal liberties, civil rights, and religious freedoms that our Virginia forefathers cherished and enshrined in our founding documents. They have pledged a war on the West and our values. But our enemies have also learned something in the last 5 years; that our nation will never relent, never falter, and never back down in the face of terror.”
“In the wake of 9-11, hundreds of thousands of our fellow Americans serve across the globe, from Kabul to Baghdad. With my daughter serving as a platoon leader in the United States Army in Iraq, I know on a personal level the sacrifices that have been made by the brave men and women protecting our nation, and advancing the cause of freedom.”
“The men and women serving under our flag do not serve as Democrats and Republicans, they serve as Americans. And that should be an inspiration to all of us who serve in public office. We are Americans first and foremost and there is much more that unites us than divides us. Through the first 8 months of our administration we have worked side by side with Governor Kaine to make major strides to prepare and test plans to protect the people of Virginia from natural disasters or terrorist attacks. We will continue to make this a top priority. As September 11th taught us, we must be forever vigilant, and steadfastly united, as we defend the blessings of liberty that our Creator has bestowed upon us.”
