Washington, DC - Congressman Maurice Hinchey (D-NY) today released the following statement regarding the eighth anniversary of the September 11th terrorist attacks.  

"Eight years later we remember the extraordinary tragedies of September 11, 2001.  It is a day that is seared into our memory for eternity.  We pay our respects to those who lost their lives, their families and friends, as well as those who were injured or continue to suffer from poor health because of the toxic air they breathed while trying to rescue others.

"We will never make sense of that day, but we do commit ourselves to ensuring that our nation never knows of such tragedy again.  Our country is on a new path of diplomacy in which we seek to work with other nations to build partnerships, friendships, and a more free and just world for every human.  By doing so, we are helping to create a world in which no one will feel as if violence against innocent civilians is a justified way of expressing disagreement.

"At the same time, we are not naive to think that the world can change overnight.  We remain vigilant and committed to doing everything we can to protect our borders and our people.  As a nation, we are forever grateful to those who risked and in some cases unfortunately lost their lives on September 11 to save the lives of a stranger they never met.  And we continue to be thankful for the ongoing heroism displayed daily by our law enforcement, fire, and emergency personnel who put their lives at risk to help keep us safe."