Press Releases

In honor of the 10^th anniversary of the terrorist attacks of 9/11/2001, U.S. Rep. Bill Huizenga, MI-02, released the following statement:

“Today, we remember 10 years later the horrific terrorist attacks in New York, Pennsylvania, and Washington, D.C.

The terrible events and images from that day are seared into our collective memory as a nation.  So, too, is the unity and the patriotism that we forged as America came together to find healing and understanding. We knew immediately that our nation and the world were unforgettably altered that day, and ‘we will never forget’ rings true today.

As the son of a World War II veteran, I see parallels to the December 7^th bombing of Pearl Harbor: it was a day their generation never forgot; our generation will never forget the events of September 11.

Each year, the anniversary of this day serves as a reminder: to honor the victims, thank those who serve our nation, and pray for those still searching for healing.

Out of tragedy, we saw the best of America. The first responders that ran into the twin towers and the Pentagon, the citizens that stormed the cockpit, the volunteers who answered the call to help in the days after, and the troops and intelligence officers who signed up and are still fighting to defend our country. Americans continue to put their country and neighbors ahead of themselves.

As we reflect on the tragic events inflicted on our nation that day 10 years ago, it must also serve as a reminder that our fight is not over.

The underwear bomber in Detroit, the train bombings in Spain and London, the arrests in 2006 of terror cells seeking to attack the subway system in New York and blow up U.S.-bound commercial airliners, and all of the thwarted plots that serve as real reminders that an enemy exists that simply wants to harm us. We must remain vigilant in protecting our nation against these ever-evolving threats.

When I visited Iraq and Kuwait earlier this year, I spoke with many of the brave men and women who serve on the ground there. We must continue to support our military’s mission as they work each day at home and overseas to protect our country’s freedoms and liberties, to look to the commanders on the ground for guidance, and to give our military and intelligence officials the tools they need to help keep our country secure and protect the freedoms that we have fought and persevered for since our infancy as nation.

We cannot afford to have a reactionary policy on terrorism. We must remain on the offensive abroad and at home. We cannot grow complacent with the success we have had in thwarting attacks.

There is no doubt that the world changed dramatically on September 11, 2001. It is now our challenge to ensure that freedom and liberty win out.”

At the time of the attacks, Huizenga was District Director for former Rep. Pete Hoekstra and working in the Holland District Office.

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