WASHINGTON, D.C. – Representative Adam Smith (D-Wash.), Chairman of the House Armed Services Committee, today released the following statement in remembrance of the 20th anniversary of September 11, 2001.
“Twenty years later the tragedy of 9/11 remains crystal clear in our collective memory. Today we reflect on the sacrifice of those who lost their lives on that fateful day and the heroism of the first responders who rushed to ground zero and the Pentagon. We will never forget that day and we will never forget those we lost.
“In the years since, our country has made a concerted effort to prevent a similar terrorist strike against our homeland. We have been successful in this mission, in large part, because of the dedication and professionalism of our military. Today we must also reflect on the bravery of our service members who protect us every day, as well as their families who deserve our appreciation and support.
“As we have seen in Afghanistan, there are certain problems that our military simply cannot fix. I again commend President Biden for his leadership and decision to end our military mission in Afghanistan. Our initial counterterrorism mission in the country was successful, and it was past time to bring our service members home.
“As we reflect on 9/11 today and continue the conversation about our ongoing counterterrorism mission around the world, we must recommit to using all facets of our national power, not just our military might. That means leading with diplomacy, leveraging our considerable economic power, and deepening and strengthening our partnerships and alliances.”
“Twenty years later the tragedy of 9/11 remains crystal clear in our collective memory. Today we reflect on the sacrifice of those who lost their lives on that fateful day and the heroism of the first responders who rushed to ground zero and the Pentagon. We will never forget that day and we will never forget those we lost.
“In the years since, our country has made a concerted effort to prevent a similar terrorist strike against our homeland. We have been successful in this mission, in large part, because of the dedication and professionalism of our military. Today we must also reflect on the bravery of our service members who protect us every day, as well as their families who deserve our appreciation and support.
“As we have seen in Afghanistan, there are certain problems that our military simply cannot fix. I again commend President Biden for his leadership and decision to end our military mission in Afghanistan. Our initial counterterrorism mission in the country was successful, and it was past time to bring our service members home.
“As we reflect on 9/11 today and continue the conversation about our ongoing counterterrorism mission around the world, we must recommit to using all facets of our national power, not just our military might. That means leading with diplomacy, leveraging our considerable economic power, and deepening and strengthening our partnerships and alliances.”
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