Honor our First Responders on this 22 nd Anniversary of 9-11

22 years ago today, thousands of humans lost their lives, 2,997 to be exact. On this
somber anniversary, I want to pay tribute to those who lost their lives, particularly the
412 of them who were first responders, including 343 firefighters of the New York City
Fire Department (FDNY).
The brave men and women who risk their lives doing their jobs as first responders are
on my mind today. Those who survived 9-11 have faced incredible challenges in these
past two decades, struggling with the ongoing effects of being exposed to chemicals
that impact their immune and respiratory systems, not to mention their mental health.
Our first responders were heroes on that day and every day. Their sacrifices and
lifesaving skills occur daily around this nation. 
We do not give enough credit to our first responders and the brave men and women
who serve the public. On this September 11, 2023, I want to honor them by recalling a
passage in James 15. “There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s
friends.”
To the first responders who put on their inform with moral courage to serve our
community, I say thank you. To all the family and friends of the nearly 3,000 victims who
lost their lives twenty years ago today, I pray for them. They are gone, but never
forgotten.