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On the 10-year anniversary of the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, members of the Kansas Congressional delegation offered their thoughts.
Sen. Jerry Moran, who was a member of the House of Representatives at the time, remembered the attacks as he was in Washington, D.C. that morning.
"When American Airlines Flight 77 crashed into the Pentagon, I felt a tremor as my office on Capitol Hill shook more than three miles away. In the moments that followed, members of Congress and their staff were evacuated out of fear that the Capitol would be the next target," Moran said.
He also noted traveling to New York weeks after the attack to witness the destruction at Ground Zero where two airliners crashed, and toppled, both towers of the World Trade Center.
"Set up around the site were several long tables where flowers, photos and prayers in tribute to the fallen had been left. One note caught my eye that had been written by a child on spiral notebook paper. It read: Dear Daddy – How much I miss you. I hope heaven is a wonderful place. I hope I live a life good enough to join you there someday – Amanda, age 12,'" Moran said. "One of my own daughters was 12 years old at the time, so Amanda’s words left a lasting impression on me."
Rep. Lynn Jenkins said she remembers what she felt upon hearing the news of the attacks that morning.
“As I reflect on the morning 10 years ago when our nation came under attack, I can still vividly recall the feelings of loss, hurt, fear and anger felt by all Americans as we watched the collapse of the twin towers at the World Trade Center, the smoldering plane in Pennsylvania and the destruction of the West side of the Pentagon," Jenkins said. "Yet, those memories also remind me of the outpouring of patriotism and resolve that our Country shared in the days and weeks after the attacks and how strong this country can be."
Now, the country remembers 10 years ago today and those who died during that day.
"The very heart of America was attacked on that September morning, and now, 10 years later, we stand together as a nation, still with many differences, yet united in our grief for those we have lost and in our solemn gratitude for those who have ensured our safety ever since," Jenkins said.
Title: Community Conversation Editor
Contact: 620-231-2600, Ext. 140
E-Mail: matthew.clark@morningsun.net
