Governor Palin on the Events of September 11th, 2001

With the debate and discussion swirling in recent weeks and months regarding the potential mosque at Ground Zero and the once planned Koran burning in Florida, the remembrance of the tragedies of September 11, 2001 and the lives lost that day have not been emphasized appropriately. September 11,2001 was a day never to be forgotten in many of our lives, just as the assassination of President Kennedy and the bombing of Pearl Harbor have been in the lives of many Americans.

Governor Palin has always been one who wants to remember those lost that fateful day and remember the families who suffered a loss on that day. She notes in her book, Going Rogue, that she spent time praying with other Wasilla residents as mayor on the evening of September 11th, 2001. Her parents even went to New York to help in the aftermath of the tragedy. As Governor, in both 2007 and 2008 she declared the day "September 11th Commemoration Day" by remembering those lost and recognizing the soldiers who fight to defend America and those first responders who came to the aid of their fellow Americans:

WHEREAS, we remember and honor the nearly 3,000 Americans who lost their lives in New York City, Washington, D.C., and Pennsylvania every day and especially this day, the seventh anniversary of September 11, 2001.

WHEREAS, Alaska continues to play an important role in the healing process and in efforts to bring to justice those who would spread terror.

WHEREAS, our military units—whether members of the active forces, Alaska Army and Air National Guard, or the Reserves—are serving in dangerous assignments both far from us and within our own borders. No men or women are better suited for this daunting task. They understand the virtues of freedom, the sweetness of liberty, and the necessity of defending our nation.

WHEREAS, we remember and thank the first responders—the firefighters, police, and emergency personnel—who came to the aid of others, and in doing so, lost their lives. All American lives are protected every day by men and women who work as emergency medical personnel and fire and police workers.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Sarah Palin, Governor of the state of Alaska, do hereby proclaim September 11, 2008, as:

September 11th Commemoration Day

When Governor Palin was running for Vice President in 2008, she visited Ground Zero and the memorial and spent time speaking with New York firemen. Upon visiting the site, she spoke not only of the tragedy, but the unity that the tragedy brought in Americans:

I wish every American would come through here, I wish every world leader would come through here and understand what it is that took place here and more importantly how America came together united to commit to never allowing this to happen again.

Last year, Governor Palin shared on Facebook again her appreciation for America's soldiers and the unity that occurred following the attacks:

As we look back to that tragic day eight years ago we take pride in the fact that we came together as a nation in the days, months and years that followed. We rose to the challenge that fateful day and we still can. And why shouldn't we believe that? We are Americans.

I thank all our servicemen and women, in and out of uniform, for keeping us safe over the last eight years in the face of enormous odds.

Please thank a veteran today. They certainly do not look for those thanks, but they have more than earned it.

As we remember and look back at the attacks of September 11th, 2001, let us heed Governor Palin's words to remember those who died, to thank our first responders and soldiers, and to recognize that through tremendous tragedy, Americans were brought together.

Cross posted here and here.