“I hope that as we look back on the tragedy of September 11th, all Americans will take the opportunity to rededicate themselves to building a nation worthy of those we lost that day.”

In recognition of the tenth anniversary of the attacks of September 11, 2001, People For the American Way President Michael Keegan issued the following statement:

“This week, along with millions of other Americans, all of us at People For the American Way Foundation are remembering the events that unfolded ten years ago. Even a decade later, it’s impossible to look back on that day without remembering the sadness and grief that so many of us felt. But we also remember the truly heroic actions that were taken by ordinary Americans that day, and the sense in the days that followed that all of us were united in our shared sense of loss. That memory should serve as a powerful reminder that our common commitment to our core democratic values is more important than anything that divides us.

“Ten years later, our country is struggling to live up to that principle: our political discourse has become a toxic mix of anger and shortsightedness in which some feel comfortable challenging the character and patriotism of anyone who disagrees with them; bigotry against immigrants and Muslim Americans has not only been allowed to thrive, but actively encouraged; our government still at times displays an unsettling disrespect for our civil liberties and for the rule of law.

“We still have a long way to go towards being a nation that lives up to its aspirations, but I’m confident with a commitment to our core values of democracy, justice, and equality for all people under the law we will continue to grow towards that goal. I hope that as we look back on the tragedy of September 11th, all Americans will take the opportunity to rededicate themselves to building a nation worthy of those we lost that day.”

Other members of People For the American Way Foundation’s staff and networks shared their reflections on the tenth anniversary of 9/11 here .