Gwinnett Daily Post

Six years since terrorists hijacked planes, devastating New York, Washington and Pennsylvania, Gwinnett's representatives on Capitol Hill reflect on the tragedy and homeland security.

U.S. Rep. John Linder

R-Duluth

"While the tears, shock and anger seem much further away, memories are still painful. After the attack, we vowed that we would bring the terrorists and those that harbor them to their knees, and that we would always keep the victims and their families and friends in our prayers. As we commemorate the tragedy of Sept.11, we renew that commitment and we mourn with those who suffered."

U.S. Rep. Hank Johnson

D-Lithonia

"This day of remembrance is one in which we pay tribute to the victims of this terrorist act and the many public servants who were injured and lost their lives saving citizens in New York and Washington, D.C. We remember their families, as well. Sept. 11 will forever be etched into our psyche and it has led to significant improvements in our national defense and emergency readiness. Perhaps most of all, I am proud of America's response to this tragedy, for we demonstrated the enormous spirit, the generosity, the bravery and the patriotism that keeps our country strong."

U.S. Sen. Saxby Chambliss

R-Moultrie

"Those attacks completely altered our concept of war and the ways in which we address the threats facing our nation. People in Georgia are still very much concerned about their safety and security, and we can't afford to take our homeland security for granted. Our men and women who wear the uniform of the United States of America are true heroes, and it is because of their efforts that we have not suffered another attack on U.S. domestic soil since that day in 2001."

U.S. Sen. Johnny Isakson

R-Marietta

"The horrific and tragic events of 9/11 profoundly and permanently changed life as we knew it in this country. Every day since and every day from now on has been and will be meeting the challenges of keeping our homeland safe and our freedom and liberty preserved."

SideBar: Sept. 11 events

Here at a glance are several events around the area marking the anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.

Lawrenceville

' What: Red Knights Sept. 11 memorial

' When: 10 a.m. today

' Where: Gwinnett Fallen Heroes Memorial, Gwinnett Justice and Administration Center, 75 Langley Drive, Lawrenceville

Buford

' What: Ivy Creek Elementary's annual Patriot Day celebration

' When: 6 to 7:30 p.m. today

' Where: Ivy Creek Elementary, 3443 Ridge Road, Buford

' Note: Families from Ivy Creek and Jones Middle School and community members are invited to bring a picnic dinner to the event.

Winder

' What: Remembrance Day 2007

' When: 8:30 a.m. today

' Where: Winder fire station, 96 N. Broad St., Winder

Statham

' What: Sept. 11 ceremony and flagpole dedication

' When: 11 a.m. today

' Where: Statham Community Park, Park Street