Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham joined the Albuquerque Fire Department this morning at their annual memorial stair climb to honor the 343 firefighters lost on Sept. 11, 2001. Courtesy photo

From the Office of the Governor: 

SANTA FE – Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham issued the following statement today on the 22nd anniversary of the 2001 terrorist attacks:

“Today, I join all those mourning the loss of 2,977 innocent victims killed in the worst terrorist attack in our nation’s history.

“Among those lost were mothers, fathers, sons and daughters. One New Mexican, Retired Alamogordo police Lieutenant Al Marchand, was among them, leaving behind a wife and son. Hundreds of first responders, running toward danger while others ran from it, also perished when the towers fell.

“Americans will never forget the loss of so many lives, but we also never forget the highest forms of sacrifice and heroism we witnessed that day.

 “What we showed the world on 9/11 was that America, when attacked, will never surrender to defeat or fear. We remain united in our commitment to each other and to our country. We will always rise up to denounce terrorism, violence, bigotry and the murder of the innocent.

“My prayers go out today to the friends and families of every victim of the September 11 attacks.”