Washington, DC — The following statement was issued today by Edward Wytkind, president of the Transportation Trades Department, AFL-CIO (TTD), on the anniversary of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks:
“On the 15th anniversary of the September 11 terrorist attacks, we pause to remember and honor the working people who lost their lives in the attacks and thank those who put everything on the line for their fellow Americans. From aviation and maritime professionals to transit employees, first responders and construction crews, these men and women came together that fateful day — and in the weeks and months following — to serve our country in a time of need.
“We recognize and thank the air traffic controllers, FAA technicians and other agency employees who, amidst chaos and confusion, safely cleared the world’s busiest air space of all traffic within hours on September 11; the ship captains and engineers who participated in the largest sea evacuation in history; the firefighters and other first responders who rushed into the World Trade Center and Pentagon and saved lives; the transit employees who helped transport people away from the area, hauled away debris and safely transported first responders to and from Ground Zero; and the construction crews who spent day after day on the frontlines of rescue and recovery efforts at Ground Zero and the Pentagon.
“We also pay special tribute to the brave crews of American Airlines Flights 77 and 11 and United Airlines Flights 175 and 93 who, like so many, showed up to work expecting just another day on the job, but never made it home. Despite the unimaginable horror they faced, these professionals put the needs of their passengers above their own.
“As we pause to remember the thousands of heroic Americans who risked and lost their lives 15 years ago, we renew our commitment to work with leaders in both parties to enhance the safety and security of our transportation system and infrastructure. Since transportation hubs are targets for terrorism, we must never relent in our advocacy of federal policies and resources that protect our transportation systems — and their users and employees — from security threats.”
Statement on the Anniversary of the September 11 Terrorist Attacks (181kb)
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