Sen. Joni Ernst: Twenty years after 9/11, we still feel pain but we also feel hope

September 11, 2001, rocked America to our core. On a day of such unexpected tragedy, our innocence was shattered; our perception of safety was erased; and, we were introduced to the unbridled hatred of al Qaeda’s terrorism. But from the ashes of the tragedy, America stood tall.

I was inspired by the heroism and selflessness of our first responders who rushed into danger to save others. I was angry at the terrorists who took so much from us. I was comforted by the way we drew closer together as a nation. And, I felt proud of our collective response.    September 11, 2001, rocked America to our core. On a day of such unexpected tragedy, our innocence was shattered; our perception of safety was erased; and, we were introduced to the unbridled hatred of al Qaeda’s terrorism. But from the ashes of the tragedy, America stood tall.