WASHINGTON, D.C. — This morning, Speaker of the House Mike Johnson and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries commemorated the 23rd anniversary of the September 11 terrorist attacks by laying a wreath at the 9/11 Memorial in the U.S. Capitol. The memorial honors the passengers of Flight 93, the hijacked airplane that was intended to strike the nation’s capital on September 11, 2001.
In a solemn statement reflecting on the anniversary, Speaker Johnson acknowledged the profound impact the attacks have had on the United States.
“Twenty-three years ago, nearly 3,000 innocent Americans lost their lives during the most devastating terrorist attack on American soil in our history,” Johnson said. “The 9/11 attacks changed everything; from the way we live our daily lives, to the way we defend our country, and how the world perceives America.”
Johnson emphasized that despite the tragedy, the American spirit has remained resilient.
“The 9/11 terrorists sought to destroy America, but they were no match for the indomitable American spirit. On this solemn day, we honor the lives of those lost and remember the strength and courage of our first responders who ran towards danger, not from it. We will never forget their extraordinary sacrifice,” Johnson stated.
The wreath-laying ceremony at the U.S. Capitol serves as a reminder of the bravery of those who thwarted the attack on the nation’s capital and the ongoing commitment to honor the memories of those who perished in the attacks. The 9/11 Memorial in the Capitol is a tribute to the passengers of Flight 93, who fought back against the terrorists, ultimately sacrificing their lives to prevent further devastation.
As the nation reflects on the events of that day, leaders like Speaker Johnson continue to underscore the importance of remembrance and the enduring strength of the American people in the face of adversity.