Padilla Statement on 25th Anniversary of September 11 Attacks

LOS ANGELES, CA - Today, U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.) issued the following statement on the 25^th anniversary of the terrorist attacks on the United States on September 11, 2001:

"Today, we remember and mourn the innocent lives lost twenty-five years ago during the deadliest terrorist attack on American soil in our nation's history.

"We continue to stand with the families carrying the unimaginable grief of losing loved ones. We recognize the heroism and sacrifice of the many firefighters, police officers, EMTs, and other first responders who put their lives on the line. We remember the construction workers and countless others who worked tirelessly to rescue those they could, recover those who were lost, clear the rubble, and help New York rebuild - many at great cost to their own health. And we honor the Muslim and Sikh communities who faced bigotry and violence in the aftermath of the attacks because of their faith.

"I had the solemn duty of serving as Acting Mayor of Los Angeles on September 11, 2001, and in the days that followed, I saw firsthand the fear and uncertainty that swept across our nation - a shadow that would linger over our daily lives for years to come. But I also witnessed the extraordinary outpouring of support, generosity, and compassion as we came together across race, religion, geography, and political party in common cause - all as Americans.

"As we commemorate the lives lost and the sacrifices made twenty-five years later, we must remember that sense of unity and recommit ourselves to our shared values - compassion, courage, service, and the belief that together we can build a better world and a brighter future for all."

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