Former Governor Tom Ridge is sharing his thoughts on the 20th anniversary of 9/11.
Ridge was the governor of the state when Flight 93 crashed near Shanksville in Somerset County.
“What I remember most about 9/11 was stepping off the helicopter and being met by the brutal sound of silence,” Ridge said in a video.
Ridge would later serve as the country’s first homeland security director. But, he says in the face of tragedy, he saw a country rally together.
“Above a Pennsylvania field, the Pentagon stone, and the once charming World Trade Center we lost nearly 3,000 souls from more than 80 nations. We lost them too terribly and much too soon,” Ridge said. “And despite the weight of pain and anguish on our shoulders, we pulled together.”
President Joe Biden and former President George W. Bush are expected to speak this weekend at the Flight 93 Memorial ceremony.
As the 20th observance of 9/11 approaches, my most powerful memories are of the 40 Heroes on board Flight 93 and the first responders who wanted so badly to help them that fateful day. I thought I’d share a few reflections with you. https://t.co/VDHAjeSC0U
— Gov. Tom Ridge (@GovRidge) September 9, 2021
