On the 12th anniversary of the terror attacks on New York and Washington and the brave end in a field in Pennsylvania to another jet hijacking, New York representatives in the U.S. House of Representatives and Senate expressed remorse and pride over the events of that day and many days afterward.

“Today we pause to remember the tragic events of September 11, 2001,” Congressman Bill Owens said.

“As we recall that day, we admire the brave men and women who sacrificed their lives for strangers, and remember the spirit of community that united us,” said the Plattsburgh Democrat, who represents the North Country’s 21st Congressional District.

“We also honor the members of the Armed Forces, the intelligence community and diplomatic corps who have made tremendous sacrifices to hold accountable those responsible for the 9/11 attacks and to prevent future attacks. The people our nation lost on 9/11 and in the days since, their families and the heroes living among us are in my prayers today,” Owens said.

“Today, we honor the memory of the victims of September 11th, and stand united with families and friends who lost loved ones on that horrific day twelve years ago,” said New York Senator Kirsten Gillibrand.

“September 11th will always live in the hearts and minds of all Americans as a day of national tragedy and heart wrenching loss.

“Following the attack, we saw the best of America -- ordinary people committing extraordinary acts of selflessness in response to something so incomprehensibly evil. So while we honor the memory of the loved ones who never came home that tragic day, we also honor the heroic acts of thousands of first responders who rushed to Ground Zero on September 11th and in the days and weeks that followed.”

Gillibrand took the opportunity to urge first responders and community survivors who were exposed to toxins at Ground Zero to register for compensation through the 9/11 Victim Compensation Fund before the Oct. 3 deadline

“September 11th was an attack on our nation, and after the tireless efforts of first responders, family members, and community survivors, Congress fulfilled its undeniable moral obligation by providing long-overdue health care and compensation for our 9/11 heroes. As the deadline for applying to the 9/11 Victim Compensation Fund nears its final days, it is my hope that every eligible responder and survivor participates to ensure they get the federal aid they deserve and fought so hard to obtain.”