ALEXANDRIA, Va. (Sept. 9, 2016) – National Credit Union Administration leadership marked this weekend’s fifteenth anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks in comments today.
“It’s a time for reflection on our values and our national identity,” NCUA Board Chairman Rick Metsger said, “a day to commemorate those who sacrificed so much and be thankful for what we have and what we share. As we remember those we lost, we will redouble our efforts to strengthen the ties that bind us together. The idea of America, a democracy that embraces many races, cultures, and beliefs, has, if anything, taken on greater importance, and the credit union movement has always embodied that diversity that makes our nation stronger.”
“It is important that we, as individuals and as a federal agency, remember Sept. 11, 2001, and the horrific losses and noble sacrifices of that day, including the impact on so many members of the credit union community,” NCUA Board Member J. Mark McWatters said.
Aircraft operated by American and United airlines, both of which have credit unions serving their members, were hijacked and used in the attacks.
Credit unions in lower Manhattan, including four credit unions that had offices in or near the World Trade Center, suffered damage or disruption of operations from the attacks, but all of them either continued to operate from other locations or were back in operation within 48 hours. Credit union staff members and officials were able to evacuate safely. Pentagon Federal Credit Union, the only credit union with an office in that building when the attack occurred, was not damaged, nor were staff injured; however, access to the credit union’s branch office in the Pentagon was not available for several days.