And that's the spirit that has allowed all of you to rebuild this city.

The timetable that we've established is a sound one, it is a responsible one.

I continue to believe that missile defense can be an area of cooperation with Russia.

Together, you decided this city wasn't about to spend the next year arguing over every detail of the recovery effort.

Deepened partnerships allow NATO to extend its reach and better share burdens.

These agreements will support tens of thousands of American jobs, generate billions of dollars in additional exports, and help level the playing field.

I'm pretty confident that Joplin will never leave you.

The United States is proud of NATO's track record of encouraging and incentivizing democratization and stability through its open door to membership.

A sufficient and sustainable ANSF will help guarantee that our hard-fought gains in Afghanistan will be preserved and is necessary for the stability and security of Afghanistan going forward.

Remember what people did here.

I could not be prouder to welcome people from around the world to my hometown.

As Afghans stand up, they will not stand alone.

We can define our lives not by what happens to us, but by how we respond.

Congratulations on your graduation, and thank you for allowing me the honor of playing a small part in this special day.

My job is to make sure that the country is growing, not just now, but 10 years from now and 20 years from now.

Thomas M. Durkin, of Illinois, to be United States District Judge for the Northern District of Illinois, vice Wayne R. Andersen, retired.

they will not stand alone.

NATO will continue to train, advise and assist, and support Afghan forces as they grow stronger.