September 2, 2016

Remembering 9/11 and Honoring First Responders

In a few days the nation will pause to reflect and remember the nearly 3,000 lives that were lost 15 years ago on a Tuesday in September that is now simply known as 9/11. It was on that day that a group of terrorists acted to induce fear and panic in the citizens of the United States, but instead served to rally the American people to the cause of fighting terrorism wherever it may exist. Fifteen years later the fight continues, and the people of this great nation continue to hold in their hearts the memory of the tragic attack that took the lives of far too many.
During the remembrance of 9/11, people in all parts of the country will take time to remember and honor the men, women, and children whose lives were lost due to this cowardly act. The anniversary of 9/11 is also an important time to pay tribute to the heroes serving in the armed forces, and in law enforcement, who work to protect the peace each and every day. And it’s a day for Americans to reaffirm their commitment to continuing, and fighting for, the dream of this nation’s founding fathers to have a land of freedom and opportunity. Despite the efforts of those terrorists, the dream lives on even stronger now today.
September 11 is also a time to pay special tribute to the many first responders who risked their lives on that fateful day, and to acknowledge all the emergency responders who continue to protect and serve the American people today. The terrorist attacks 15 years ago represent the deadliest incident for firefighters and law enforcement officers in United States history. The day resulted in the deaths of 343 firefighters and 72 law enforcement officers. These men and women deserve to be honored and remembered by the American people for the ultimate sacrifice they made in an effort to save the lives of those in harm’s way.
In Missouri the efforts of emergency responders are recognized with Emergency Services Day and Emergency Personnel Appreciation Day, both of which take place each year on 9/11. Both days are meant to acknowledge, with special gratitude and profound respect, all public safety personnel, including police, firefighters, ambulance personnel, emergency dispatchers, and corrections officers. Missourians everywhere are encouraged to devote some portion of the day to recognition and solemn contemplation of the sacrifices undertaken by emergency personnel in performance of their duties.
It is an honor to serve as your representative and voice in the Capitol.
Allen Andrews
State Representative – 1st District
State Capitol
Room 135AB
201 West Capitol Avenue
Jefferson City, MO 65101
573-751-9465
Allen.Andrews@house.mo.gov