Here is a round-up of statements from Republican candidates and officials marking the 14th anniversary of the terrorist attacks at the World Trade Center, Pentagon and on Flight 93 on 9/11/01.
Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker
On this 14th anniversary of September 11, 2001, we remember with sadness the tragic events that forever altered our lives. On that terrible day, radical Islamic terrorists unleashed unimaginable horror against our country, ending nearly 3,000 innocent lives. As we honor the victims and keep their families in our thoughts and prayers, we cannot forget the bravery of the hundreds of first responders who sacrificed their lives while trying to save others. Today and every day, our hearts are filled with the strength and spirit of a nation that rose out of the rubble united, unintimidated, and undeterred from celebrating our uniquely American values of freedom, liberty, and opportunity for all. May we never take these values for granted and always remain vigilant in America’s defense.
U.S. Senator Ted Cruz (R-Texas):
Fourteen years have passed since September 11, 2001, a day that changed the trajectory of the United States. The worst terrorist attack on our homeland taught us two things: that our oceans would not protect us from a determined enemy in the 21st century, and that radical Islamic terrorism was not a regional annoyance with limited capacity, but a real and present danger to our very way of life.
Today, we remember the victims: the people in the twin towers of the World Trade Center, that emblem of America’s economic power, and the first responders who charged in to save them. The military and civilian personnel in the Pentagon working to keep our country safe. The innocent passengers on those four doomed flights, some of whom heroically sacrificed themselves to minimize the casualties on the ground.
But as we pause in their honor, we must also look forward. The hard fact of the matter is that today, we again face a gathering threat from radical Islamists who may have changed their name or affiliation, but who are unchanged in their determination to degrade, and ultimately destroy, the West.
Today, the threat of radical Islamic terrorism is still very much as real as it was fourteen years ago. From Nidal Hassan yelling ‘Allahu Akbar’ before he murdered fourteen innocent people in Ft. Hood, Texas, to the Boston marathon bombings, a beheading in Oklahoma, and the attack in Chattanooga that left four marines and a sailor dead.
September 11th, 2015 should be more than a day of reflection and remembrance. It should be an opportunity to resolve that we will not allow political correctness or complacency to lull us into the same false sense of security that al Qaida exploited fourteen years ago. We owe it to the memory of those whose lives were lost to squarely face the ongoing, virulent threat of radical Islamic terrorism, unafraid to call it what it is, as we defend ourselves and the founding principles that make America the greatest force for good in the world.
U.S. Senator Joni Ernst (R-Iowa):
We can all remember where we were on that fateful day of September 11, 2001. The world seemed to stop.
We saw the agonizing and heart wrenching events unfold 14 years ago, at the World Trade Center, the Pentagon and on Flight 93. Americans from coast to coast watched as unspeakable acts of terrorism claimed the lives of thousands of innocent Americans.
America will never forget those who were lost, and our prayers are with their loved ones who continue to feel the deepest pain of their absence.
On that day our adversaries intended harm, but they were met with unmatched bravery, heroism and extraordinary fortitude. These attacks would not break the resilience of the American spirit.
In the midst of such tragedy and sorrow, we saw the best of the American people as our first responders, service members and other heroes within our community rose up to help in countless acts of selfless courage. We did not cower. We joined together in a remarkable bond of strength, love and unity.
The fight to protect our freedoms continues today. It is one of my greatest honors to put on our nation’s uniform and stand alongside the fearless men and women of our armed services willing to make tremendous sacrifices to defend our liberties and way of life.
Today is a reminder that we must work to ensure that America’s greatness will always overcome adversity. Thank you and may God bless Iowa and these great United States of America.
Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal:
Jindal reflected on 9/11 during an appearance on CNN.
U.S. Senator Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa):
Every September 11 brings back a flood of memories, including how America stood strong while terrorists sought to destroy our way of life. Today we remember the horrific events and those who lost their lives that day, we honor the brave first responders who put their own lives on the line to help others, and we praise the sacrifices being made by our military men and women and their families who continue to fight those who want to do our country harm.
Congressman Steve King (R-Iowa):
Dr. Ben Carson:
— Ben & Candy Carson (@RealBenCarson) September 11, 2015
U.S. Senator Marco Rubio (R-Florida):
Former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee:
Congressman Rod Blum (R-Iowa):
Congressman David Young (R-Iowa):
Former Florida Governor Jeb Bush:
Former Texas Governor Rick Perry:
Fourteen years ago, our nation watched in shock as an unthinkable attack took the lives of thousands of innocent souls. And on that day, our nation banded together – stronger in the face of this heinous evil – and refused to back down. The strength of our bond, of the values of peace and freedom, lives on in America today, thanks to the sacrifice of those who risk it all in service to their fellow Americans, whether on the field of battle or as first responders here at home. Please join Anita and me in praying for every family that was forever changed by the attacks that happened fourteen years ago today.
New Jersey Governor Chris Christie:
Ohio Governor John Kasich:
Today we remember all of those lost & recommit ourselves to freedom & to one another. -John #NeverForget911
— John Kasich (@JohnKasich) September 11, 2015
U.S. Senator Rand Paul (R-Kentucky):
Iowa Governor Terry Branstad:
Branstad ordered flags to half-staff throughout the state to mark the day.
Donald Trump:
Let’s all take a moment to remember all of the heroes from a very tragic day that we cannot let happen again!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) September 11, 2015
U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina):
