Gov. Gregoire�s statement on 10th anniversary of the September 11th terrorist attacks

For Immediate Release: September 9, 2011

OLYMPIA � Gov. Chris Gregoire today issued the following statement on the 10th anniversary of the September 11th terrorist attacks:

�Something changed the day the jetliners crashed in the World Trade Center, the Pentagon, and a lonely field in Pennsylvania ten years ago. Not just the skyline of one of the world�s most vibrant cities, not just the grieving family members of the nearly 3,000 victims.

�The truth is, we all changed as Americans. Our commitment to our values grew � we felt a real sense of collective responsibility and duty. We felt real pride for the first responders and pride in ourselves.

�This weekend � as we remember the victims of the 9/11 terrorist attacks � I ask all Washingtonians to remember that feeling of responsibility we had 10 years ago when we wondered what we could do to help each other. I urge Washingtonians to again take a strong interest in your neighbors who may need your help or special assistance. I ask you to continue to be involved in our local communities and give back to local organizations. And while we know threats still exist, I�ll repeat the advice given from our federal partners: if you see something, say something.

�Our nation�s biggest weakness lies not in what the terrorists can do to us or what the economic markets may bear. Instead, it�s our increasing divisiveness, our lack of civility, and our general isolation from each other. On Sunday, take a moment to remember those who we lost 10 years ago and take time to recapture that spirit of unity. Be proud of our country, but be just as proud of your community. Don�t just rely on this country to protect our freedoms. We, as individuals and as families, are the strong roots of our freedom.�