U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA) released the following statement as the nation remembers the events of Sept. 11, 2001:

“Sixteen years ago, a horrific act changed our country forever. We must never forget the many loved ones we lost, the countless lives that were forever changed, or the members of our military who continue to fight to this day to prevent another attack on the homeland.

“We saw so clearly on September 11th that our darkest days do the most to reveal the heroes among us. We are reminded of that once again as hurricanes batter our shores and wildfires ravage communities across the West—and as we saw on that dark day sixteen years ago, we see strangers helping strangers and communities reaching out to each other in their time of need. Let us never forget the strong American spirit that conquers in the face of great tragedy,” Murray said.

In 2009, Congress designated Sept. 11 as a National Day of Service and Remembrance.