(WASHINGTON, D.C.)--On Sept. 11, 2001, nearly 3,000 people, including 62 members of the Service Employees International Union (SEIU), were killed when hijacked planes crashed into the World Trade Center in New York City and the Pentagon near Washington, D.C. To commemorate the 12th anniversary of this national tragedy, SEIU International President Mary Kay Henry issued the following statement:

Twelve years after the 9-11 attacks, we are still trying to reconcile the unimaginable courage and the raw humanity America witnessed Sept. 11, 2001. We cannot forget the hundreds of men and women who lost their lives, and we will continue to honor their legacy. Window cleaners, elevator operators, porters, tour guides, state employees, first responders, and maintenance workers were our friends, our family, our neighbors, our co-workers, and our union brothers and sisters.

"The stories of 62 members of 1199SEIU, SEIU Local 4053/PEF and SEIU 32BJ who perished that day are among these compelling accounts of bravery. We are reminded of the immigrant janitor and single mother who worked tirelessly to realize the American Dream; the paramedic, husband and father, who put himself through night school to answer the call of public service; the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance employee, committed to civic life and social activism, and countless others.

"The stories of unmatched courage and heroism that arose from our darkest hour continue to humble and inspire us: The first-responders who walked into burning buildings to save others, the security officers who guided hundreds to safety, and the strangers who reached out a friendly hand to those in need.

"This day not only reminds us of the hundreds who senselessly lost their lives, but also just how many men and women risk their lives each day. Now more than ever, we are called to renew our commitment to public service and honor the legacy of the brave and heroic by respecting the work of those who keep our communities safe and protected."

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