RSC Military Veterans Honor 9/11 Anniversary and Their Sacrifice to America

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Twenty-four years ago, our nation endured one of the darkest chapters in American history when terrorists struck at the very heart of our homeland, taking the lives of 2,977 innocent Americans in New York City, Shanksville, and Arlington. The profound grief of that September morning remains with us, and we continue to hold in our hearts the families and loved ones who lost so much that day.

Yet from that darkness emerged the unbreakable spirit of the American people. In the wake of 9/11, a generation of patriots answered our nation's call to service, deploying with honor to Iraq, Afghanistan, and theaters across the globe in defense of freedom and in pursuit of those who would do us harm.

Today, many members of the Republican Study Committee stand among those distinguished military veterans who served our nation overseas in the post-9/11 era. Having worn the uniform in service to America abroad, they now continue that sacred duty in the halls of Congress, steadfast in their commitment to securing our homeland and ensuring such tragedy never befalls our nation again.

These member-veterans, who witnessed firsthand both the cost of freedom and America's resilience in the face of adversity, reflected on this solemn anniversary and their continued service to our great nation:

Watch the RSC Military Veterans tribute video here.

“It has been 24 years since 9/11, and the threat to the homeland has only become more dangerous and dynamic. Our system is blinking red. As an Air Force veteran who flew combat missions in the F-22 and member of the House Committee on Homeland Security, I am committed to staying ahead of evolving threats. The United States remains vigilant against those who wish to do us harm, foreign and domestic,” said RSC Chairman August Pfluger (TX-11). 

“Twenty-four years ago, terror struck our nation in an attempt to destroy democracy, freedom, and the greatest nation the world has ever known. On September 11, 2001, we lost 2,977 innocent lives, and our country was changed, but we stood united. As we reflect on 9/11, may we also reflect on the resolve that carried our nation forward. We are one nation under God. Our country is the beacon of liberty and hope for the world,” said House Foreign Affairs Chairman Brian Mast (FL-21).

“24 years ago, the tragic events of September 11, 2001, changed the world forever and claimed the lives of 2,977 people. Americans from across the nation would respond by deploying overseas and defending our country from evil.  May we always remember those we lost, honor those who answered the call, and never forget this solemn moment in our nation’s history,” said Rep. Morgan Luttrell (TX-08).

“As a naval officer in the Reserves on September 11th, I knew when I saw the second plane hit the South Tower, we were at war and I’d soon be getting the call. Two hours later, I was told to pack my gear, and three days later, I was on a plane to Bahrain as part of the Fifth Fleet’s Crisis Response Team. Like so many of my fellow service members, I witnessed firsthand how America came together in the face of unimaginable tragedy. That experience has never left me. Today, as a member of Congress, I carry forward that same resolve to strengthen our national security, defend our homeland and ensure that future generations live in safety and freedom,” said Rep. Scott Franklin (FL-18).

“The attack on September 11th forever changed America. I witnessed that impact firsthand as a combat physician with the United States Marine Corps in Iraq, caring for our wounded and confronting those who attacked America. We will never forget that terrible day, and in Congress my mission remains to protect our homeland, support our veterans, and strengthen America’s national security so a tragedy like 9/11 never happens again,” said Rep. Ronny Jackson (TX-13).

“24 years ago, radical Islamic terrorists waged a coordinated attack on the heart of America. The center of finance, the center of our national defense, the seat of our government. Three planes hit their mark. One, thanks to the heroic actions of its passengers, crashed along a Pennsylvania hillside. Our enemies thought they could break us. But the American resolve held strong. God Bless America, God bless the 2,977 fallen, and God bless their friends and families who have carried their legacies with them since that fateful September day,” said Rep. Abe Hamadeh (AZ-01).