CHARLESTON, WV – In honor of Patriot Day and in remembrance of those who perished in the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001, Gov. Jim Justice issued the following statement today:
“It’s difficult to believe that it’s now been 18 years since the terrible tragedies that took place on 9/11. But, even as time marches on, today we renew our promise that we will never forget.
We will never forget the pair of West Virginians – Dr. Paul Ambrose of Huntington and Mary Lou Hague of Parkersburg – who were among the thousands of innocent souls we lost that fateful day.
We will never forget the unparalleled bravery of countless first responders who always choose to run toward the fire; who chose to run toward chaos and collapsing skyscrapers in our nation’s darkest hour, all to help those in need. The sacrifices made by these first responders, and others like them every day, is unbelievable. And we owe them a debt of gratitude that can never be repaid.
On this solemn anniversary, I ask all West Virginians to join Cathy and I in praying for those we lost, as well as the families and friends they left behind. We love you all in every possible way.”