To Remember and To Fight

Washington, D.C. — The America First Policy Institute (AFPI) released the following statement from Jenn Pellegrino, Chief Spokesperson, on the anniversary of the September 11, 2001, tragedy: 

“Twenty-four years ago today, our nation was forever changed. Nearly 3,000 innocent lives were stolen in the deadliest terrorist attack in American history. Families were shattered, heroes were born, and the images of smoldering wreckage underscored our national grief. In those moments, we faced a sobering reminder that freedom and truth are never guaranteed and must always be defended. 

Today, we honor those who died on September 11, 2001, we stand with the families who still shoulder the weight of loss, and we salute the first responders and service members who ran toward danger to protect their fellow Americans. They showed us that courage—not fear—is the only answer to evil. 

But this anniversary comes at another moment of heartbreak for our country. The assassination of Charlie Kirk has shocked the conscience of America. A political killing strikes at the very core of who we are. It is meant to silence, to intimidate, and to sow fear. 

We cannot and will not allow it to succeed. 

This September 11th, we find our path forward in the wake of tragedy and senseless killing by once again choosing courage over fear. By straightening our backs when evil comes to test our resolve. By remembering that we are a nation established by a God that does not give us a spirit of fear, but one of power, and of love, and of sound mind. 

When a voice that has proclaimed the truth boldly is silenced, we must all stand taller and proclaim it even louder. Truth has carried us as Americans since July 4, 1776, and it must carry us now. 

Evil may take lives, but it cannot take our courage or extinguish our freedom. America will never cower. We will never waver. And we will never forget.”