On September 11, 2001 we all watched in disbelief and horror as the unthinkable acts of terror occurred in New York, Washington D.C. and in a Pennsylvania field. In many ways, it is hard to believe that 10 years have passed. That day still reminds us of the complex challenges we face in these times and the importance of defending the freedoms we are so privileged to enjoy.

We have all heard inspirational stories of heroic rescues borne out of that tragedy; stories that helped restore our faith in humanity and strengthened our pride as American’s. But what many people may not have heard is that 73 brave Ohioans actually traveled to ground zero the day after 9/11 to help with the recovery efforts. They went as part of Ohio Task Force One (OH-TF1), which is part of FEMA’s National Urban Search and Rescue Response System, and provides skilled rescue response to natural and manmade disasters, such as earthquakes, hurricanes, and explosions. In fact, the same team just returned from 7 days in New Jersey and New York, helping with rescue efforts associated with Hurricane Irene. Our home state team arrived in New York the morning of September 12, 2001, and participated in searches at ground zero for 6 days. I join all Ohioans in thanking these unsung Ohio heroes for their unwavering bravery in the face of such tragedy and uncertainty for our country.

We salute all of the brave men and women – including firefighters, law enforcement, EMT’s, volunteers and others – who risked their own lives and those heroes who gave their lives to save others. We shall never forget this tragedy and those who lost their lives and the families of those who died. We shall never forget 9/11.

Though 10 years have passed and New York is seemingly far from home, many Ohioans remain connected to 9/11 and its aftermath. For example, the cities of Fairborn and Beavercreek each set up 9/11 committees and petitioned to receive a piece of steel from one of the World Trade Centers. Thanks to the committees and the efforts of so many members of their communities, both cities received steel beams in the past year, and I was honored to join them during the memorial services they held to receive these precious pieces of history. 

Additionally, the city of Fairborn has held a memorial service annually since that terrible day, one of the few communities across the nation that still do. Fairborn – who sent 4 firefighters to ground zero with OH-TF1 – has truly committed to never forgetting 9/11.

In the days and weeks following 9/11 many people wondered if our country would ever be the same. Although our nation’s security has been heightened and tested, our spirit and unity as a country remains strong. And, our nation has been blessed that since 9/11, we have been free from attack on U.S. soil.

I believe that in many ways, we have been able to move on as a nation – without forgetting the men and women lost that day. And out of tragedy came new unity and hope for America. We truly do live in the greatest country in the world; a free nation and a strong nation that stands tallest when we stand together. Thank you for standing together today as we honor those whose lives were lost and thank those that kept us safe on September 11, and those that keep us safe every day.

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