September 13, 2021

We Must Never Forget the Attacks of September 11, 2021
Over the weekend, we stopped to remember the attacks on our homeland that forever changed our country and took 2,977 American lives.
 
September 11, 2001, "the day the world stopped turning," is forever cemented in our minds. We all remember where we were when we heard the news of the Twin Towers struck by airplanes and the unfolding crisis which seized the country and seemingly froze time. The images of the towers falling, people jumping to their deaths and our brave first responders running into the danger are images that will live with all of us forever. They truly are as vivid today as they were twenty years ago. 
 
We also stopped to honor those who ran into danger when others were running out. We took time to reflect on those who put service and country above self and recalled the stories of unwavering heroism that made the difference between life and death. We stopped for those who never came home and said goodbye to family unknowingly for the last time. 
 
What came in the days after the attack was an unshakable sense of patriotism. We are still all Americans. We are still capable of the unity and support we showed our fellow countrymen. American resolve stood tall. Twenty years later, it is time to do the same. Now, more than ever, we must rally as a country. Rally around our troops, rally around our law enforcement, and rally around those who have given their all and sacrificed everything in the name of freedom. I know I can name many of such people. And I am sure you can as well. 
 
The fight against evil is not finished. The terror threat landscape is as high it’s ever been. The recent events in Afghanistan have shaken us back into the reality that there are still radical terrorist groups who wish to do our nation harm. As a member of the Committee on Homeland Security and the Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Counterterrorism and Intelligence, it is my solemn duty to hold this Administration’s feet to the fire to ensure no American will ever have to relive the events of 9/11.
 
Thank you to all my fellow service men and women and your families for the countless sacrifices you've made to keep our country safe over the last 20 years. We still have much to fight for, but my hope for this country comes from the people I've met in District 11. The selfless, hard working individuals of this community truly show us the best of our nation, and what we can accomplish if we all come together. 
 
God bless America.
Visited the World Trade Center Memorial and Met With NYC Law Enforcement
 
I had the opportunity to visit the World Trade Center Memorial in New York City to commemorate the fallen. As I stood at Ground Zero I could not help but be overcome with grief for our fallen citizens. It was a surreal experience to walk in their footsteps on their final day and reflect on those who went on to wear the uniform and fight the battle in their defense.
 
I met with NYPD and first responders. I heard their stories, and they are as powerful today as ever before. The stunning display at Ground Zero reaffirmed my oath to preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States from all enemies foreign and domestic.
 
Terrorism took the lives of nearly 3,000 Americans. Today, the threat of terror is as high as it’s been. There are still radical terrorist organizations who wish to do this country harm—we must do everything we can to make sure that never happens.

Attended the Tall City Memorial Stair Climb in Honor of Our First Responders
 
It was an honor to attend the Tall City Memorial Stair Climb. This event honors the heroic first responders who climbed 110 stories of the World Trade Center to rescue the stranded and laid down their own lives in hopes of saving others—"we climb because they climbed.”
 
Thank you to our law enforcement, fire departments, and first responders who participated. Thank you for the countless sacrifices you have made in service to our community and our nation.
 
I asked those who climbed to think about someone that they know who perished in defense of our country. May they never be forgotten.
Paid Respect to the Heroes of the Odessa Community
 
Over the weekend, I was humbled to spend time with and pay respects to Odessa's finest for a sobering commemoration of the 9/11 attacks. We joined our community's heroes in a wreath-laying ceremony for our own fallen Odessa native and Navy SEAL, Chris Kyle. We presented flags to Odessa firefighters to thank them for their service and sacrifices on a day that weighs heavily on our nation and the first responders who serve it.
 
This is what heroes look like. When we visited with the firefighters of Odessa, I asked them all what first drew them to answer the call to serve. Many were inspired by family members, some needed the stability of the force, but all exhibited an innate selflessness and heart for others.
 
Fireman Barajas, the youngest member at Station #5, simply told me: “I’ve always wanted to help.” We can’t all be firefighters or police officers, but we all can help in our own ways.
 
I hope each of us takes away this spirit of selfless service as we move forward from 9/11 weekend. To all of our firefighters, police officers, service members, and first responders: thank you. Our community stands with you 100% of the way.
Thank you for reading. It is the honor of my lifetime to serve you in Congress. Please follow me on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter for daily updates.
Rep. August Pfluger
Member of Congress