Kelly Statement on the 25th Anniversary of 9/11

U.S. Senator Mark Kelly (D-AZ) released the following statement on the 25th anniversary of the September 11^th attacks on the World Trade Center:

"Twenty-five years ago,nearly 3,000people were killed in an act of terror. Today, we remember those we lost, their families, the first responders who showed extraordinary courage, and the thousands more whose lives were changed forever.

"I piloted the first Space Shuttle mission after 9/11, STS-108. Aboard Space Shuttle Endeavour, our crew carried three flags representing the places where lives were lost that day: an American flag recovered from Ground Zero, an American flag flown over the Pennsylvania State Capitol, and a U.S. Marine Corps Colors flag recovered from the Pentagon. We also carried thousands of smaller American flags and other tributes honoring those we had lost.

"I'llnever forget seeing those flags in orbit with the Earth behind them. Less than three months after the worst attack in history on American soil, carrying those flags was a powerful reminder of what our country had been through and what we stood for.

"In the face of unimaginable loss, Americans came together. We looked out for one another, honored those who served, and showed the world that an attack meant to divide and weaken us would not succeed.

"Twenty-five years later, that spirit of service, courage, and unity stillrepresentsthe best of America. It is something we should never take for granted.

"We will never forget."