(HIGHLANDS RANCH, Colo.)- U.S. Rep. Mike Coffman, R-Aurora released the following statement commemorating the 11th anniversary of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks-

"Eleven years ago today, the world watched in horror as terrorists attacked our country and took the lives of almost 3,000 innocent victims. Today, our nation pauses to remember the thousands of lives lost on that fateful day, and to give thanks to those brave men and women who risked their own safety to save the lives of thousands more."

"We also owe a debt of gratitude to the members of our Armed Forces and our first responders who risk their lives every day to protect us."

"One of the greatest lessons we learned on September 11th is that, irrespective of our political views, we are all Americans first."

###

Published September 11, 2012