On September 11th, many Missourians and Americans across the nation will take time to reflect and remember the nearly 3,000 lives that were lost 17 years ago on a Tuesday in September that is now simply known as 9/11. While a group of terrorists acted that day with the intent of inducing fear and panic in the citizens of the United States, they instead served to rally the American people to the cause of fighting terrorism wherever it may exist. Seventeen years later the fight continues, and the people of the world’s greatest nation continue to hold in their hearts the memory of the tragic attack that took the lives of far too many.
The anniversary of 9/11 is an important time to pay tribute to the heroes serving in the armed forces, and in law enforcement, who work to protect the peace each and every day. It’s a day for Americans to reaffirm their commitment to the dream shared by the nation’s founding fathers for a land of freedom and opportunity. Despite the efforts of terrorist forces, the dream lives on even stronger now.
September 11 is also a time to pay special tribute to first responders who risked their lives on that fateful day, and to acknowledge all the emergency responders who continue to protect and serve the American people today. The terrorist attacks 17 years ago represent the deadliest incident for firefighters and law enforcement officers in United States history. The day resulted in the deaths of 343 firefighters and 72 law enforcement officers. These men and women deserve to be honored and remembered by the American people for the ultimate sacrifice they made in an effort to save the lives of those in harm’s way.
In Missouri the efforts of emergency responders are recognized with Emergency Services Day and Emergency Personnel Appreciation Day, both of which take place each year on 9/11. Both observances are meant to acknowledge, with special gratitude and profound respect, all public safety personnel, including police, firefighters, ambulance personnel, emergency dispatchers, and corrections officers. Missourians everywhere are encouraged to devote some portion of the day to recognition and solemn contemplation of the sacrifices undertaken by emergency personnel in performance of their duties. To the emergency personnel of the 126th District, thank you for your dedication on behalf of your communities.
Sincerely,
Patricia Pike
MO House of Representatives
