AUSTIN, Texas— Today, Texas Land Commissioner Dawn Buckingham, M.D., released the following video statement remembering and honoring the nearly 3,000 Americans lives that were lost 25 years ago today:
Click the image above to hear from Commissioner Buckingham
"Today, our nation honors and mourns the nearly 3,000 lives that were taken from us on September 11th, 2001. 25 years ago, two thousand seven hundred fifty-three people died at the hands of Al Qaeda terrorists who overtook multiple flights and crashed into the World Trade Center, resulting in horrific fires and destruction.
An additional 184 people were murdered when Al Qaeda terrorists crashed American Airlines Flight 77 into the Pentagon.
United Airlines Flight 93 was hijacked that morning, but the passengers and crew fought valiantly against the terrorists, crashing the plane into an open field in Pennsylvania, and ultimately thwarting an attack on the U.S. Capitol. 40 Americans died in that instance.
For every American who lived through that day, the September 11th attack is seared into our memory as one of the deadliest terrorist attacks in our history. We remember where we were when we heard the news. We remember the shock and horror, and we remember the unifying spirit that echoed through America as we grieved together.
That day, thousands of police officers and firefighters responded to the scene and rescued as many people as possible through endless debris and rubble. We’re indebted to every law enforcement official — state, local, and federal — who devote their life to keeping America safe.
We are also indebted to our U.S. Armed Forces who have always stood valiantly, at home and abroad, against the threat of radical Islamic terrorism. Thousands of service members have laid down their lives to protect our home, our freedoms, and our way of life. We are the land of the free because of our brave Veterans.
On this solemn day of remembrance, we pray for the families of those lost, we pray for those who experienced that horrific day, and we pray for safety for our troops at home and overseas.
Today and every day, we pledge to honor our heroes, to treasure our liberty, to uplift our country, and above all, to never, ever forget.
I’m Dr. Dawn Buckingham, your Texas Land Commissioner.
May God bless you and may He continue to bless the United States of America."
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Dr. Dawn Buckingham made history in 2022, winning a statewide election to become Texas' first female Land Commissioner. As Land Commissioner, Dr. Dawn Buckingham is committed to helping Texans after a disaster, supporting Texas energy, ensuring that every child in Texas receives a high-quality public education, serving Texas Veterans, and securing the border to keep our communities safe.