Today marks the 10-year anniversary of the September 11 attacks against the United States. We all can remember where we were or what we were doing when the news came in from New York on that fateful fall morning.
Soon after, we would learn of a larger plot against our nation, one that would also claim American lives in Pennsylvania and in Virginia, near our nation's capital.
It was a day of great national mourning for all the innocent lives that were lost. But it was also a day in which we recognized the great heroism and valor of true American heroes.
The first responders in New York and in our nation's capital, the passengers aboard Flight 93, the citizens who acted in a moment of crisis to help a colleague or stranger escape -- each displayed the uncommon courage and selflessness that reflects the best of our shared American spirit.
Now, a full decade since that day in September, much has changed. Memorials have been built. New York is bustling again.
And thanks to the tireless actions of our armed forces, just this year we have seen a righteous justice delivered upon the main perpetrator of these heinous crimes. The world's most vile terrorist, the face of evil itself, has been banished from this Earth forever.
But, despite this passage of time, we must never forget what happened on September 11, 2001.
But, despite this passage of time, we must never forget what happened on September 11, 2001.
We must never allow the courageous actions of the 9/11 heroes to disappear from our memories. Please join me in honoring them today. The brave Americans who lost their lives 10 years ago have set a shining example of patriotism, courage, and resolve that we should all strive to live up to. We are all fortunate to live in the nation that they called home.
May God bless you, the United States of America, and the servicemen and women who still protect us to this day.