Arizona Lawmakers Commemorate 9/11

On September 11, 2001, America faced one of its darkest days as coordinated terrorist attacks claimed the lives of nearly 3,000 people. The events of that day left an indelible mark on the nation’s history, forever changing our collective memory and shaping our response to threats against freedom and security. As the country commemorates the anniversary of 9/11, Arizona lawmakers and political leaders are joining voices across the nation to honor the victims, first responders, and military personnel who have sacrificed in the name of national defense and resilience.

Nick Kupper, a candidate for Senate in LD23 and U.S. Air Force veteran, shared, “I would love now, as much as ever, for Americans to remember and act with the camaraderie and fellowship that we had in the aftermath of 9/11. We are not left or right, Republican or Democrat. We are Americans, and we have a nation that needs us. That single event was the biggest factor in my decision to sign up for the military in 2002, while still a junior in high school. I will be commemorating the 23rd anniversary at the top of the World Trade Center with the Enlisted Association of the National Guard of the United States at their first annual 9/11 Remembrance Gala.”

Abe Hamadeh, U.S. Army veteran and candidate for the U.S. House of Representatives in CD8 reflected on the bravery shown that day. “On this day, we honor the true heroes of 9/11 – the brave men and women in uniform who put their lives on the line to protect our freedom. Our police officers have always been the backbone of law and order, standing up for our communities when it matters most. Now more than ever, we must back the blue, defend our nation’s heroes, and never forget their sacrifice.”

Jeannette Garcia, an Army combat veteran and Avondale City Councilwoman-elect, remembers the unity that emerged in the aftermath of the attacks. “I remember the horror of 9/11 and the profound unity that emerged on 9/12. At 13, it was the first time I truly grasped what America meant—beyond political divides, it was about coming together for a common purpose. I saw countless men and women, including my own family and friends, step forward to defend our country. Now, we must rekindle that spirit of solidarity to preserve our Republic and reaffirm, as family, friends, and neighbors, that this country is worth saving. As an Army combat veteran, I can say that since the day I signed the dotted line, I have believed I will fight for this beautiful country because you are worth it!”

Senator Wendy Rogers, U.S. Air Force veteran and representative of LD7, emphasized the ongoing need for vigilance and unity. “As never before since 9/11/2001, our country is in peril. It is imperative that ‘We the People’ stay vigilant and supportive of each other as fellow countrymen and of our nation as a whole. We honor the fallen and exhort ourselves to a higher level of service in order to maintain the constitutional Republic so bravely fought for over the years. We have been endowed with something very special, for which we must fight even harder than ever now to preserve.”

Former police officer and Arizona State Senator Anthony Kern added, “In memory of the horrors that happened on 9/11, I will be watching and remembering the actual events of that terrible day. We must never forget. I will also be doing everything I can to get out the vote to ensure we defend democracy by electing President Donald Trump! Pray for America!”

Walt Blackman, a combat veteran and former Arizona State Representative, now running for the Arizona House of Representatives, shared his personal connection to the day. “As a combat veteran of the Iraq and Afghanistan wars and a member of the 1st Infantry Division, 2nd Battalion, 63rd Armor, I’ll take a moment on September 11 to honor the memory of all those who lost their lives, including Pfc. Gunnar D. Becker who made the ultimate sacrifice in Iraq. His bravery serves as a powerful reminder of the cost of freedom. The Vilseck community, where we were stationed, also mourned his loss.” Reflecting on the broader impact of 9/11, Blackman added, “As a proud former member of the 1st Infantry Division, I’ll reflect on the lives lost – from innocent civilians in the towers to the first responders and the soldiers who answered the call to defend our nation. The legacy of those we have lost, including the fallen soldiers of the 63rd Armor, will live on in our hearts, and their courage will never be forgotten.”

Kelly Cooper, a Marine Corps veteran from the 2nd Marine Division and candidate for U.S. Representative in CD4, stated, “Today, I will participate in memorial ceremonies as a sign of honor and reverence. Two thousand nine hundred seventy-seven innocent people lost their lives in a moment of great horror. Many more continue to carry the burden of that time or have succumbed to their injuries. This day must remain a day of remembrance and honor for all Americans. We shall never allow our brothers and sisters, mothers and fathers, sons and daughters, to be involved in this kind of tragedy again. A history lost may become a history repeated, and that can never happen.” Cooper added, “As we reflect on this solemn day, let us remember the strength and unity that emerged in the aftermath of 9/11. It was a time when we put aside differences and stood together as Americans, united in our shared purpose and commitment to freedom. Now, more than ever, we must carry that spirit forward to honor the memory of those we lost and ensure that such a tragedy is never repeated. Our duty to protect this great nation is ongoing, and we must remain vigilant in preserving the values that make America worth fighting for.”

Kim George, retired FBI Special Agent and former Congressional candidate, recalled the determination of law enforcement following the attacks. “23 years have passed, and the memories will never fade. As a Special Agent, we worked around the clock, 24/7, following thousands of leads that came in from the public. Local, state, and federal agencies came together to accomplish the mission of protecting our country. This plaque hangs outside the Chapel at the FBI Academy and memorializes that mission.

When I raised my right hand and swore an oath to support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic, it meant more than words. It meant I, and many others, were willing to make the ultimate sacrifice to protect this country. I pray that on this sacred day, God will give us grace—not to forget but to forgive and to come together in solidarity for our great country. As the plaque eloquently states, ‘Strong Towers Decay, But A Great Name Shall Never Pass.’ That great name is the United States. God Bless America, and God bless our fallen.”

As we mark the 23rd anniversary of 9/11, the voices of veterans, political leaders, and community members remind us that the spirit of unity, sacrifice, and resilience must continue to guide us. The memory of those lost, both on that tragic day and in the years since serves as a solemn reminder of the cost of freedom. Now, more than ever, we must unite as Americans, transcending political divides, to honor their legacy and ensure we stand united in defense of our nation’s core values. May we never forget.

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