For Release: Sept. 11, 2008
Contact: David Clementson
Email: dclementson@oag.state.va.us
Phone: 804-786-2071
Statement of Attorney General Bob McDonnell on 7th Anniversary of the Terrorist Attacks of Sept. 11
ARLINGTON - Attorney General Bob McDonnell released the following statement today regarding the 7th anniversary of the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001:
“Seven years ago this morning our nation suffered the worst terrorist attack in our history. Terrorists, intent on killing innocent civilians in defense of an evil ideology, struck the World Trade Center Towers in New York City, downed a plane in Pennsylvania, and at 9:37 a.m. struck the Pentagon here in Virginia. Virginians in Arlington and Alexandria turned from their television screens to their windows to see smoke pouring out of one of our most widely recognized landmarks and the heart of American military power. The attacks had hit home. One hundred eighty-four individuals lost their lives at the Pentagon that morning. No one who lived through this horrible day will ever forget where they were, or how they felt, as this tragedy unfolded before our eyes.
“Seven years later we look back on that day as a nation united. Thanks to the tireless work of President George W. Bush, Governor Tim Kaine and his fellow governors, our amazing men and women in the military, law enforcement and countless others, our nation has not been struck in the 2,557 days since Sept. 11, 2001. We have taken the fight against terrorism overseas, and have made great progress. We face an enemy that is amorphous, committed and evil. It is an enemy willing to take their own lives in the advancement of destroying our way of life. Our enemy hates freedom, progress, innovation and liberty. There is evil in the world, and we saw it seven years ago. But that evil is no match for the courage, the resilience, and the spirit of the people of America. And we see this every day.
“This morning I attended the dedication of the September 11th Memorial at the Pentagon. Standing in that place, joined by the families and friends of those who died that terrible morning, brought back all the memories of seven years ago. It also proved that seven years later America has not been broken. Instead, America has been united.
“Our thoughts and prayers remain with all those lost on Sept. 11, 2001, and the families and friends they left behind. God Bless America.”
