WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Congressman David N. Cicilline (D-RI), who yesterday attended the Congressional Gold Medal Ceremony at the U.S. Capitol honoring the fallen heroes of September 11, 2001, today issued the following statement on the 13th anniversary of the 9/11 Terrorist Attacks:

“On this very somber anniversary, we remember the lives of 2,977 innocent men, women, and children who were tragically killed thirteen years ago today by terrorists in attacks in New York City, Washington, D.C. and Shanksville, Pennsylvania. The horrific and brutal attacks on the morning of September 11, 2001, forever changed our country and the world, and left an indelible mark on the history of our great nation. During that difficult time, we also saw inspiring examples of the American spirit – in the first responders who worked day and night searching for survivors at the World Trade Center; in the Americans all across the country who united to help the victims, their families and the country recover; and, in the thousands of courageous men and women in uniform who bravely answered the call to serve our nation.

“In the wake of an unimaginable tragedy Americans came together with determination and resolve to bring those responsible for the 9/11 attacks to justice. For the past thirteen years, U.S. military forces have bravely and professionally carried out their mission to defeat Al-Qaeda, killing Osama Bin Laden, the murderer responsible for the attacks of September 11, successfully targeting Al-Qaeda affiliates in Yemen and Somalia, and mounting concerted campaigns to root out terrorism throughout the Middle East, the Horn of Africa, and North Africa.

“Like all Americans, today, as we should every day, I honor the fallen heroes who died on September 11 and in the conflicts since, and all the brave men and women in uniform who answered the call of duty to protect our freedoms. I thank them for their sacrifice and the sacrifice of their families and I continue to pray for them.”