This Week’s Legislative Column from Senator Mike Cunningham

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Remembering a National Tragedy

I know I will never forget — along with the millions of citizens around the world — where I was and what I was doing the moment I heard about the devastating events unfolding before our nation’s eyes on Sept. 11, 2001.  Since that horrific day, groups and individuals around the world have vowed to honor those who were taken from us too soon.

In the days, weeks and even years following that devastating day, this country has pulled together like never before. Donations of food, blood and money came in from every state. Many people still work to donate to, and help the families of those who lost their lives that day.

On that day we also began to realize the true sacrifices made by law enforcement, firefighters and emergency response teams. That fateful day as the towers were struck, and then collapsed, as buildings were on fire many ran in the opposite directions seeking safety. However, that day whether it was in New York City, a field in Shanksville, Penn., or Washington, D.C., the true heroes ran toward the danger. Still today, 15 years later, members of law enforcement and other emergency responders stand in the face of danger doing their jobs to protect us.

I ask each of you to say a prayer for those who are left behind to mourn the victims of the terror attacks that day. Pray for peace and healing, as each day they remember those horrible events that many still struggle to overcome.

As always, I appreciate it when groups from around Missouri and from our community back home come to visit me at the Capitol. If you would like to arrange a time to come and visit me in Jefferson City, or if you ever have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact my Capitol office at (573) 751-1882.