On the recordSeptember 14, 2010
The events of recent weeks have reminded us how central the September 11th attacks remain to our national consciousness. The shock and grief we felt that Tuesday still echo in our hearts, still reverberate in our minds. America stands tall as a beacon of freedom and tolerance because her people have risen to the occasion each time these values have been tested. It is with that in mind that we turn our thoughts today to the police, firefighters, and first responders who ran into burning buildings so others could get out. We renew our awe for the passengers who dug in rather than give up and charged the cockpit of Flight 93. We remember how Americans from all walks donated blood, gathered at candlelight vigils, and organized care packages for relief workers. The resilience that propels us forward as a people is drawn from the courage of our heroes and the compassion of our citizens. Each year on this day, we have the opportunity and the solemn responsibility to honor the heroes and victims, and to keep faith with their loved ones. Though these thoughts and prayers, we can heal, and we can steel ourselves to repeat the words `never again'.
