Gov. Bill Richardson earlier this week declared today “Patriot Day” in New Mexico in remembrance of the lives lost during the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks and the heroic actions that followed the attacks.
“… those whom we lost on September 11, 2001 will forever hold a cherished place in our hearts and in the history of our Nation. As a State, we will forever remember their sacrifice and we commit ourselves to honoring their memory by pursuing Peace and Justice in the World,” the proclamation states.
Others have released statements about the anniversary of the attacks. Here’s one from U.S. Rep. Martin Heinrich, D-N.M.:
“On this solemn day, we unite as Americans to mourn and pay tribute to the men, women and children who lost their lives on September 11, 2001. Eight years ago, we came together to comfort one another, to serve, to save, and to stand in unity as a nation.
“Let us not forget what united our country. It was not fear or hatred. It was the common thread of hope and faith in one another, as fellow Americans. Today, we renew that spirit of service and unity by recognizing September 11 as the National Day of Service and Remembrance. I encourage all Americans to take time out of their day for service to their community and to remember the fallen.”
Earlier this week, U.S. Rep. Harry Teague, D-N.M., submitted this statement in support of a House resolution recognizing the anniversary of the attacks:
“On September 11th, 2001, America was exposed to a darker side of the human condition — one that is so fueled by hate and fear that it would drive individuals to come to a foreign land and dedicate themselves to studying the most efficient way to murder innocent civilians.
“The 9/11 attacks were cowardly actions by desperate, evil men, but, like we’ve seen on other tragic days in our Nation’s history, the attacks also shined a light on American bravery and heroism.
“Our firefighters and other first responders ran into buildings that were about to collapse, sometimes sacrificing their own lives to save others. The passengers of United Flight 93 became true citizen-soldiers when they chose to take on the hijackers and sacrifice themselves to save others, demonstrating to the world what makes us strong and good as a country.
“These brave people showed that even in one of the darkest hours in our history, Americans were resolute, resilient and committed to see the light of our liberty burn steady and bright.
“Let us remember that while these horrendous acts may have toppled over buildings and taken the lives of innocent Americans, they neither destroyed our Republic nor the principles upon which our country was built.”
Update, 2:35 p.m.
The state GOP released this statement from Chairman Harvey Yates Jr.:
“Today we pause to remember the 2,740 Americans who lost their lives in the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. Eight years later, we honor them as well as the brave men and women who have fought to protect our great nation in the global war on terror.
“This nation was changed by the events of 9/11. And though we are a resilient nation, we sometimes also are a forgetful nation. This day should remind us of the dangers which lurk in this world and give us resolve to confront them before they touch our shores.
“We join Americans, of all political stripes, in remaining diligent and mindful of our responsibility to serve as a powerful beacon of freedom and a counter to those who threaten the unalienable liberties of all mankind.”