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Christian Leaders Respond to 9/11 Anniversary

Kayla Koslosky

Today marks the 17th anniversary since the 9/11 terrorist attacks. In the wake of the anniversary of the tragedy that took the lives of almost 3,000 people, Christian leaders across the nation took to social media in remembrance. 

U.S. Vice President Mike Pence posted a series of six tweets in remembrance of the attacks. In the first tweet, the Vice President wrote, “17 years ago the world changed forever. Today we remember the victims, their families, & brave first responders. We will never forget 9-11.”

Pence went on to say, “For the families of the fallen, the cherished final moments with your loved ones no doubt seem like just yesterday. Your Nation understands while we all suffered loss that day, we know you bear a special burden. The American people stand with you & we always will. #NeverForget”

Franklin Graham also posted a series of tweets in remembrance of the attacks. In his four-tweet series, Graham said, “17 years ago tomorrow our nation was attacked in a way that it had never been before. My father @BillyGraham was asked to deliver a message at Washington National Cathedral 3 days later. Many things have changed since that day, but one hasn’t—our need of God. 1/4"

Graham went on to say, “‘This is part of my father's message, just as relevant today as it was then: “No matter how hard we try, words simply cannot express the horror, the shock and the revulsion we all feel over what took place...September 11 will go down in our history as a Day to Remember...’ 2/4”

“‘But today we especially come together in this service to confess our need of God. We’ve always needed God from the very beginning of this nation. But today we need Him especially. We’re facing a new kind of enemy... And we need the help of the Spirit of God.’ 3/4"

Graham concluded by saying, “...The Bible words are our hope, ‘God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea...’ –@BillyGraham #NeverForget 4/4"

Governor Mike Huckabee told his audience in a Tweet that he was putting a pause on his political commentary for the day in remembrance of 9/11. Huckabee wrote, “No political or cultural content from me today. Just solemn reminder of a day we will never forget the innocent victims and the heroism of fire, police, and other 1st responders to whom we owe respect and thanks. #Remember911”

Senior Pastor of Cross Church and President of the National Day of Prayer Ronnie Floyd tweeted a link to an article he wrote for Fox News called, “Four Things I am Thankful for This 9/11.” Floyd listed three reasons why he and other American’s can be grateful today in the midst of tragedy. Floyd notes that he is grateful to live in a country where brave men and women are willing to die for others. He also says he is grateful for the solidarity of Americans in the wake of an attack, for the security and protection of the U.S. and for the perfect peace God gives us “in the middle of hardship.” 

As we remember the events that took place today 17 years ago and cherish the lives of friends and family members taken from us too soon, it is reaffirmed that today is a day that American’s will never forget. 

Photo courtesy: Getty Images/Don Murray/Stringer