REMEMBERING SEPTEMBER 11th
In the coming weeks, millions of Americans will pause to acknowledge the one year anniversary of the September 11th terrorist attacks. While reliving the terrible events of that day may prove difficult, it is important we remember for many reasons. We must honor those who lost their lives that day. We must remember the lessons we learned, and realize that a threat against our freedom remains and it must be combated. And we must not forget that the men and women of our armed forces remain in the field of battle, fighting to defeat those who would take our freedom from us.
You cannot think about September 11th without remembering the tremendous heroism of everyday citizens and emergency workers in the face of unimaginable evil. The spirit of the Flight 93 passengers, the firemen and police officers who selflessly guided millions to safety, and the office workers who calmed and helped colleagues remains with us today. As dark as that day was, September 11th showed us how compassionate, strong, and benevolent the American people truly are. The examples we saw on September 11th and in the following days helped sustain us and steel our desire to move forward.
Certain aspects of our lives have changed dramatically since last fall. Air travel has forever changed, and we're all a little more mindful of what's going on around us. One year later, we have acclimated ourselves to this new normalcy. But it's absolutely critical that we do not become complacent. If we learned anything from September 11th, it is that those who wish to destroy our freedom will stop at nothing. We simply must remain vigilant.
We answered the attacks on our country resoundingly with an unprecedented military operation that toppled the Taliban and restored freedom for the people of Afghanistan. For the first time in years, Afghan girls were able to attend school and a democratic government was seated. What many have forgotten, however, is that our armed forces remain in Afghanistan and other locations around the world fighting the war against terror. Their mission is not yet complete, and they still deserve our gratitude and support. It is easy to slip back into a routine and forget about the sacrifices these men and women and their families continue to make. This September 11th, it is important we let them know we are still grateful to them for what they are doing to protect and defend our country.
