Sam Brownback: “I rise to speak about the events of 1 year ago. I am delighted to follow my colleague, Senator Lieberman of Connecticut…”

“I rise to speak about the events of 1 year ago. I am delighted to follow my colleague, Senator Lieberman of Connecticut, with whom I have worked and will continue to do so. I add my name to his comments. Today we are gathered to remember those who lost their lives on September 11, to honor those who sacrificed everything for the concept of and belief in freedom. That day and every day since then are stark and simple reminders that freedom is not free and that it is never secure. This is something the people of my home State of Kansas have long understood. Our very motto is ``ad astra per aspera''--``To the stars through difficulties.'' We have lived this every day, every year since before we were a State. It is also a theme our entire Nation embraces today. We were not bowed by last September's attack. In fact, we arose from the ashes stronger and more resilient than ever. ``The greatest victories come when people dare to be great,'' Ronald Reagan said, ``when they summon their spirits to brave the unknown and go forward together to reach a greater good.'' In the days immediately following that fateful day, we summoned our spirits and went forward together. We dared to be great. As you look at the memorials, and as you listen to the speeches of remembrance, think of the sacrifice of all those involved, and of the lives cut short, the promises broken, the happiness destroyed. It is all too easy to cloak these sacrifices in mere platitudes.”