Today marks the 12th anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attack. Sen. Mitch McConnell's opening statement Wednesday on the Senate floor remembered that day's tragic events:
SEN. MITCH MCCONNELL: Twelve years ago, more than a hundred members of Congress from both parties stood together on the Capitol steps to show our sympathy, solidarity, and resolve. Those of us who were there will never forget it. And later this morning members will gather on the same steps to remember once again those who died and to recommit ourselves to our national ideals together. Our nation always pulls together in difficult moments. 9/11 showed us that. It’s important we remember it. So I look forward to joining congressional leaders and others out on the same steps shortly on this day that has rightly become a very solemn one throughout our country. We remember today all those who were killed as well as the families they left behind. We remember them with renewed sorrow. And we remember all who lost their lives or injured in the line of duty defending our freedoms since 9/11. Today, we remember the resolve we shared on a clear September morning 12 years ago. In the days and months that followed the attacks of 9/11, we did not cower; we took the fight to the terrorists while here at home we opened our doors, our wallets and our hearts to those around us. We persevered. We maintained what was and is best about our country. And together we will continue to do so as long as this struggle continues.