Honoring the First Responders of 9/11/2001
“In the wake of the September 11th attacks, courageous Americans raced into smoke, fire, and debris in lower Manhattan, the Pentagon, and a field in Shanksville, Pennsylvania. The whole world witnessed the might and resilience of our nation in the extraordinary men and women of the New York Fire Department and the New York Police Department, selfless patriots of unmatched character and devotion. I grew up with them so I can tell you that’s absolutely true.
“We also commemorate the heroes of the Port Authority Police. The first responders from across the country rushed to New York and worked endless days and sleepless nights. They fought to rescue every person trapped in the rubble, and then searched for months to find the remains of the fallen. The love and loyalty of our 9/11 responders knew no bounds.
“Our nation also owes the families of the fallen a profound debt that no words or deeds will ever repay. But we can and we will keep our nation’s promise to them.
“[I have signed] the 9/11 Victims Compensation Fund. This law makes permanent the financial support for families who lost precious loved ones as a result of the September 11th attacks. It also provides pensions for those who are suffering from cancer and other illnesses stemming from the toxic debris they were exposed to in the aftermath of the attacks. Many of those affected were firefighters, police officers, and other first responders. Since September 11th, we have lost more than 2,000 first responders and survivors to 9/11-related cancers and illnesses. Currently, thousands of men and women are battling cancer and other illnesses due to 9/11. We pledge to stand by the families of those affected, today and every day. We will stand with you.
“I want to thank lawmakers in both parties for working with common purpose to pass this vital and critical legislation. We have an obligation, and it’s a sacred obligation, to the families and first responders of 9/11.
“To every 9/11 hero, you poured out your heart, your sweat, your soul, and everything you had for your country. You ran toward the wreckage, into a ball of flames, like, frankly, nobody in this country had ever seen. You searched for survivors. You went back day after day and night after night to save lives and return the fallen to their families, to rebuild and recover, and to show the entire world that nothing will ever break America’s spirit. Over the last two decades, you have endured hardship with amazing grace and incredible grit. Through it all, you care and you work, and you love, and you will always remember all of those great families. You lift up our communities and you remind us all what it means to stand united as ‘one nation under God.’
“For your entire lives, you have gone far beyond your duty to us, and today we strive to fulfill our sacred duty to you.” (President Donald J. Trump)
“Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor.” (Romans 12:9-10; ESV)
Give Him 15 minutes in prayer:
- Today, read through President Trump’s words of honor for 9/11’s first responders. Intercede for them and for their families as you read through his speech. May we never forget!
Today’s decree:
We will always honor the first-responders who helped so many on 9/11/2001.