This week, we honor
Patriot Day and the 2,977 Americans who tragically lost their lives 13 years
ago.
Since that fateful
day, we have fought in two wars. Thousands of our nation’s finest have paid the
ultimate price defending our freedom, and thousands more have returned home
bearing the physical and mental scars of battle.
The 9/11 attacks
were meant to weaken America and dampen her spirit. Instead, Americans united
and proved that not only will we not be defeated, but that we will emerge
stronger than ever. We
rediscovered our devotion to our country and to our neighbors that day. We
boldly stood as a nation, and refused to succumb to fear or despair. It truly
became one of our finest hours.
Though there is no
doubt that the memory of the innocent Americans who perished as a result of the
attacks on that fateful day will remain etched in our minds, the heroic acts of
that day will remain just as enduring.
In the wake of the
ruthless attacks and the utter chaos that followed, our nation stood tall. We
witnessed rescue personnel and ordinary citizens become true heroes that day,
in some cases, sacrificing their own lives to help complete strangers.
As the dust settled
and America rallied her forces, a new generation of service members answered
the call to duty. For 13 years now, the men and women who selflessly put their
lives on the line to answer that call have helped to better protect us from
such merciless attacks.
But there’s no question that America will still face threats to our way
of life, whether it be overseas or right here on American soil. However,
September 11 serves as an eternal reminder that we must act to ensure that
forces of ignorance and hatred never prevail, and that we will never allow
anyone to take our freedom. America will always stand united and proud in the
face of our enemies.
Please, take a moment this week to reflect on
everything that’s changed since September 11, 2001. Take a moment to remember
the victims and those who’ve selflessly sacrificed to ensure our way of life
remains.