JOINT STATEMENT FROM GOVERNOR MARTIN O’MALLEY AND GOVERNOR BOB MCDONNELL ON 9/11

ANNAPOLIS, MD (September 9, 2011) – Maryland Governor Martin O’Malley, chairman of the Democratic Governors Association, and Virginia Governor Bob McDonnell, chairman of the Republican Governors Association, issued the following joint statement to mark the 10th anniversary of the September 11th attacks on the Pentagon, the World Trade Center and the fourth plane that crashed in Shanksville, Pennsylvania:

“On September 11th, 2001, life in America changed, and the country we love so deeply was forever marked by an unprecedented tragedy on our home soil.  The actions of our citizens that day and in the weeks, months and years that followed are a testament to the spirit of collaboration and cooperation that our nation embodies in times of strife.  As governors of two states whose citizens were directly impacted by the horrific events that occurred 10 years ago, we solemnly remember all the lives that were lost on September 11th, 2001 and those that were forever altered.

“The terrorists who attacked our nation on September 11th miscalculated that the scars they left on Americans would break our resolve and divide our spirit.  First responders, citizens and politicians, regardless of jurisdiction or affiliation, stood together that day and helped their fellow citizens.  Although the attacks left our nation reeling in grief, they have only served to bolster our American spirit. Our nation drew together with a sense of purpose and pride that helped heal our wounds and strengthen our resolve to make the world safe from the scourge of terrorism.

“Out of that tragedy, we saw the nation come together, unified and strong. On this day of remembrance, we hope Americans can rediscover all that unites us and makes our nation the world’s brightest beacon of freedom.  The National Capitol Region and our country as a whole will stand together 10 years after these attacks just as we did in the days following the attacks, and we will work together to make our nation and our world safer, stronger and more resilient.”