Dear Neighbor,
I write to you today in memory of the nearly 3,000 men, women, and children who were killed 20 years ago today in the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. We remember them today as we stand by the loved ones they left behind. And we honor the heroes who, through incredible acts of sacrifice, saved countless lives. The shock, sorrow and loss of that tragic morning will never be forgotten.
The events of that terrible day may have impacted us here in Northern Virginia more acutely than anywhere else, outside of New York. Thousands of us, myself included, commute to and from D.C. every day. Thousands more commute to the Pentagon itself. The attack on the Pentagon, and the threat of further attacks in the hours and days to come, hit us perilously close to home—both physically and emotionally.
That Tuesday morning, as we all remember, began as one of those perfect September days we often enjoy in the weeks between summer and fall. I was serving on the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors at the time, representing my neighbors in Providence District. My Chief of Staff called to tell me to turn on the news as I was heading out the door. I joined a nation in disbelief, horrified at what we saw on the screens in front of us and fearful of the unknown to come. I rushed to my office, which was then in Fire Station 30, and arrived to see the brave men and women I’d come to know departing for Arlington to save lives at the Pentagon.
Their heroism, and that of each first responder who answered the call that day, was astounding and lifesaving. Nearly all successful rescues occurred within half an hour of the impact at the Pentagon. Many of those survivors would not have lasted much longer before succumbing to smoke inhalation—a testament to the speed and bravery of our first responders.
More than 400 first responders lost their lives that day—the single deadliest day for first responders in American history. We owe them a debt of gratitude we can never repay. We remember them today.
And we remember the nearly 3,000 innocent Americans who died at the Pentagon, in New York City, and aboard Flight 93 in Shanksville, PA. Their loved ones bear a burden of loss and grief I cannot begin to imagine, and my heart is with each of them today.
As we grieve and honor those we lost, we remember one thing above all:
We are still here. We are still standing. And we will continue to do so, as one people, on the American foundation we have built.
