Several Florida elected officials, including Gov. Ron DeSantis and Congressman Byron Donalds (R-FL), paid tribute on the 25th anniversary of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks that resulted in the death of 2,977 people.
"25 years later, the terrorist attacks of 9/11/2001 seem both raw and distant," DeSantis wrote on social media. "On the one hand, the news reports that day have been seared into the American consciousness like few, if any, events in American history. The heroism displayed by the civilians and first responders who risked — and in some instances gave — their lives to rescue others from burning towers represents the American spirit at its finest."
"This is also true of the selfless actions of the passengers on United Flight 93, who spared hundreds, if not thousands, of innocent civilians from a similar fate that befell those killed in the WTC," DeSantis continued.
"It’s been 25 years. We will never forget," Donalds wrote. "We still mourn the 2,977 lives lost on that horrible day — families in New York and across America shattered by an act of cowardly, unthinkable violence. We still remember the heroes — the first responders who ran towards danger, the patriots who rushed the cabin of United Flight 93."
"We will never forget. @ErikaDonalds and I are praying for all of the 9/11 families today," Donalds added.Â
Democratic gubernatorial candidate David Jolly also commemorated the anniversary.
"Twenty-five years ago today, the world stopped," Jolly wrote. "We remember every life taken on September 11, every family forever changed, and every first responder and service member who answered tragedy with extraordinary courage. The greatest tribute we can offer is to become a nation worthy of their sacrifice. A nation that chooses unity over division, service over self, and faith in one another over fear."
"Today, let us remember. Let us recommit to each other. And let us believe again in who we can be, together," Jolly added.
Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier added," Twenty-five years after the attacks on the World Trade Center and Pentagon, we remember and honor those who were lost, the heroes who fought back on Flight 93, and the courage and resolve of those who responded. Let’s never forget that America is worth fighting for."
Florida Chief Financial Officer Blaise Ingoglia also commemorated the day.
"Today we honor the lives lost 25 years ago today due to an unthinkable act of terrorism on US soil, and we remember the heroic actions of the brave men and women that ran to help their fellow Americans. We will never forget," Ingoglia wrote.
In addition, U.S. Sen. Rick Scott (R-FL) paid tribute through a video on social media. U.S. Sen. Ashley Moody (R-FL) also shared her remarks honoring the anniversary.
Both the Republican Party of Florida (RPOF) and the Florida Democratic Party (FDP) commemorated the day.
"Today marks the 25th anniversary of the terrorist attack on our great nation, when hijackers seized four airplanes and used them as instruments of evil, murdering innocent men, women, and children," the RPOF wrote. "Our nation was wounded, but it was not defeated and we have not forgotten. We continue to work to fortify freedom in our country. That is our pledge."
"We pray for our brothers and sisters who perished, for their families, and for our great nation, in honor of their memory and of our flag that was attacked. May God continue to bless the United States of America!" the RPOF added.
"Twenty-five years ago, America was changed forever," the FDP wrote. "Today we honor the memory of those we lost, the heroism of our first responders, and the resilience of our nation. We will never forget."
