WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Roger Wicker, R-Miss., today commemorated the 18^th anniversary of the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, which took thousands of American lives.

A full transcript of his remarks, as delivered, is below:

“On the morning of September 11, 2001, I was leaving a breakfast meeting at the Pentagon with Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld when I learned of the terrible events in New York. The Pentagon would be hit minutes later – the third attack by al-Qaeda terrorists whose actions would take nearly 3,000 innocent lives.

“Memories of that dark day will be forever frozen in our memories. Some of us may think of the burning images of the World Trade Center. Others may remember stories of survival or the face of a hero.

“In the moments after the attack, we saw the best of America in the selfless courage of our first responders and the passengers of United Flight 93. We still see it in the troops fighting to defeat extremism abroad.

“So today we remember the thousands of American lives lost. And our prayers go out to their loved ones, who continue to bear the deepest pain.

“In addition, as Americans, we will not lose sight of the outpouring of humanity that has helped our nation heal and rebuild.

“And, we will continue our work to preserve the blessings of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness for all.

“No matter the storms, and no matter the trials, we will stand united.

“May God bless you, and may God bless America.”