Harris in Shanksville honors the heroism, the courage of Flight 93 passengers.
Harris honors the heroism and courage of Flight 93 passengers in Shanksville Getty Vice President Harris reflected on the courage.
and unity of the passengers of Flight 93, which crashed near Shanksville, Pa., on Sept. 11, 2001, and called on Americans to come together as a nation to honor the lives lost during the terror attacks 20 years ago.
“In the most severe of situations, the 40 reacted as one in a couple of minutes.
They battled for their own lives and the lives of many others in our nation’s capital, Harris said during a ceremony at the Flight 93 Memorial in Shanksville, according to prepared comments.
“After today, my hope and prayer are that we continue to celebrate their bravery.
their conviction with our own, that we respect their unity by building our shared connections, developing our worldwide relationships.
and always living out our greatest ideals,” Harris said.
“This job will not be simple; it never has been, and it will need all of us to believe in who we are as a country and to go out to work together.”
The majority of Harris’ address was devoted to reflecting on how most Americans came together in the aftermath of the country’s worst terrorist assault.
She also highlighted that the days after 9/11 showed “how fear can be exploited to create division in our country,” acknowledging the prejudice faced by Muslim Americans.
“As we look back, we can see that the overwhelming majority of Americans were united in their desire to help families heal, communities rebuild, protect our country, and keep us secure.
“We turned toward one other at a moment of utter terror,” Harris added.
“That period reminded us of the importance and power of our American unity, as well as the fact that it is achievable in America.”
ALSO, YOU CAN READ:
On the 20th anniversary of the attacks, Harris is the highest-ranking member of the Biden administration to give a speech.
President Biden is attending ceremonies at all three assault locations but will not be speaking. Instead, he taped a video statement.
which was broadcast by the White House on Friday evening, commemorating the lives lost and asking for national unity.
Biden is expected to attend a wreath-laying ceremony in Shanksville in the afternoon.
after attending the event at Ground Zero in New York City on Saturday morning.
Later, at the Pentagon, the president, vice president, first lady Jill Biden.
and second gentleman Doug Emhoff will participate in a wreath-laying ceremony.
Harris’ comments come following those made by former President George W. Bush, who was president at the time of the attacks.
Before starting her own address, Harris praised Bush for his comments and said it was an honor to be on stage with him and former First Lady Laura Bush.
As part of the coordinated 9/11 attacks, two aircraft attacked the twin towers in New York City and another hit the Pentagon.
United Airlines Flight 93, the fourth aircraft, crashed in an empty field near Shanksville after passengers.
and crew members attempted to retake control of the plane.
thwarting terrorists’ intentions to fly to Washington, D.C. The accident killed all 44 persons on board, including the four al Qaeda hijackers.
The location in Shanksville was characterized by Harris as a spot “sanctified by sacrifice,” commemorating the valor.
and bravery of the 33 passengers and seven crew members on board.
“What occurred on Flight 93 taught us and continues to teach us so much about the bravery of those on board, who sacrificed all they had, the determination of the first responders.
who risked everything, and the resiliency of the American people,” Harris added.
Following her comments, Harris, Emhoff, Interior Secretary Deb Haaland.
and Pennsylvania Governor Tom Wolf (D) went down to the accident scene.
MORE, ALSO, AS WELL AS:
SOURCE:
Harris in Shanksville honors the heroism, the courage of Flight 93 passengers
