NH State Representative Steven Smith

As we go about our business on 9/11, keep those who lost their lives, and those who gave their lives that terrible day in your thoughts. You may have seen in the news lately, that the conflict in the Middle east grows.  Again, our country is considering sending yet more Americans there.  Remember the brave men and women in the armed services who gave their lives in the resulting conflict after 9/11, those who still stand in harm’s way today, and those about to go. I give thanks to all those brave souls who defend us, help us, and rescue us. Without them, there is no United States of America.

CONCORD – Governor Maggie Hassan has directed flags to half-staff on
Thursday, September 11, 2014, and proclaimed Thursday as a Day of
Remembrance in honor of the innocent victims, first responders and service
members who lost their lives in the tragic terrorist attacks 13 years ago
and ensuing conflicts.

“Despite being one of the darkest days in U.S. history, September 11,
2001, was also a day when Americans demonstrated our collective resilience
in the face of great tragedy, when we united in the undying American spirit
of perseverance that has always defined our great country,” Governor
Hassan said. “Every year, we come together to remember the innocent
victims of those senseless acts of terror, the first responders who bravely
put their lives on the line to save others, and the service members and
first responders who made the ultimate sacrifice to protect their fellow
citizens, while also rededicating ourselves to the enduring concept of
freedom that is our very core.”

“We also remember all of those who – regardless of their role or their
occupation when they started the day – became heroes on September 11,
risking their lives in the aftermath of those tragic events to protect
people who they had never met simply because we’re all Americans,”
Governor Hassan said. “And this year, the loss of dedicated Marine Lance
Corporal Brandon Garabrant and two intrepid journalists – James Foley and
Steven Sotloff – will be fresh on our minds, adding new pain to this
solemn occasion. Our thoughts and prayers remain with the 10 Granite
Staters we lost on September 11 and all of the innocent victims, Lance
Corporal Garabrant, James, Steven and their loved ones, and we are
eternally grateful for our men and women in uniform and those whose
courageous sacrifices keep us safe.”

To honor the victims and heroes of September 11 and the service members
lost since, Governor Hassan will participate in two remembrance ceremonies:
the City of Manchester’s 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony at Henry McLaughlin
Middle School and the American Legion Post 35 Global War on Terrorism
Monument Unveiling and Rededication in Hampton.

Long day yesterday. I went to the polls in all 6 towns. I don’t do it to get votes. I did not have an opponent yesterday. I think it is important to go to every town in the district to show that I haven’t forgotten them. This effort takes a team too. My son Conlin was a huge help. He stayed in Goshen most of the day. Even more importantly, I always clean up the signs we put at the polling places after they close. Conlin drove out to Goshen, Lempster, and Washington to pick up. That really took a load off of me. My son Luis took over for Conlin in Goshen so that he could come home to vote. My wife Adele and son Gawain covered Charlestown, and then Langdon when she got of work. Big thanks to Sue Lichty for staying in Langdon for both Jim Grenier and I.