John Sarbanes: “this past year, has been one of tragedy and challenge for the American people. Just a year ago, on September 11, 2001…”

“this past year, has been one of tragedy and challenge for the American people. Just a year ago, on September 11, 2001, we experienced a dawning national tragedy. Just as the workday was beginning--8:46 a.m. to be precise-- terrorists struck this country in a series of savage attacks. Over 3,000 were killed and many more were injured. Those attacks struck a vicious blow at every American everywhere. Over the past year we have labored with the highest degree of human spirit to address our grievous losses--as individuals, in our families, in our communities, and as a nation. At the same time, we have worked hard to deal with the challenges that confront us now and into the future. We are resolved to put an end to the scourge of terrorism and to bring its perpetrators to justice. Our response to terrorism must be committed and complex, for no simple solution or single action can accomplish our goal. We must engage in the broadest possible international effort, for we know that terrorists are not contained by national borders. As we move forward, we take our inspiration from the calm determination and steely resolve of the firefighters, police, emergency personnel, and airline passengers who responded to the attacks, and from the resilience of those who are rebuilding lives and families and communities. And we shall move forward, for we have families to care for, neighbors to look after, jobs that must be done, and civic obligations that must be met.”