On the recordSeptember 11, 2013
Peace is a fragile thing. It means more than just the absence of war. The standard for American peace is in our foundational documents: life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Those values are universal. They serve as a beacon of hope in times of war and an example to a world filled with oppressors, dictators, and terrorists. With the creation of the Bill of Rights, our Founding Fathers knew that, in this place, the world's people would come together and live in peace. In this place, anyone with a good idea can succeed and thrive. In this place, if you can dream it you can do it. The openness of our society serves as our Nation's greatest strength. The enemies of peace and freedom do not care what we look like, they do not care who we vote for, and they do not care in what part of town you live. On that fateful September day they attacked us as a whole. We responded by helping our neighbors in their distress and turned lonely strangers into heartfelt friends as our Nation grieved together. Today, in solemn remembrance of those who lost their lives working to follow their American Dream, we must also remember what we truly represent. Out of many, one: the last, best hope of mankind. ____________________
