Today is a day of solemn remembrance as we mourn the souls we lost in a heinous terrorist attack on September 11, 2001. We stand in solidarity with their families and loved ones. We also honor the extraordinary heroism that ordinary Americans displayed on that fateful day in helping their fellow Americans. We will never forget.

On September 11, 2001, terrorists attempted to attack and destroy our way of life – our democracy, our freedoms, and everything we hold dear as Americans. They failed. In the days that followed, we were all reminded that unity in America is possible. Together, we made it clear that we will not bend or break before terrorism. We rallied around the victims and their families. We worked to overcome the hatred and discrimination that many of our fellow Americans experienced in the aftermath of the attacks. And we fought for the country we love and the ideals we hold dear. All of that work continues today.

Hundreds of thousands of Americans served in Afghanistan and elsewhere, selflessly and bravely protecting the American people and our homeland. They were deployed to eradicate the evil of terrorism and deny terrorists a safe haven. I will always honor their service and sacrifice.

In 2011, President Obama ordered an operation that killed Osama bin Laden, and two years ago, President Biden ordered an operation that killed Ayman al-Zawahiri, bin Laden’s deputy. We remain vigilant against any terrorist threat directed against the United States or the American people, and we will continue to dismantle terrorist networks wherever we find them.

Today, I will travel to the hallowed ground of the World Trade Center, the Pentagon, and Shanksville, Pennsylvania, to remember the victims and their families. As I do, I will also remember the incredible selflessness and courage of the American people. And as we mark this day, let us all reflect on what unites us all: the greatest privilege on earth, the pride and privilege of being American.

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