The tragedy of Sept. 11, 2001 has been seared in our nation’s consciousness forever. Today is the seventh anniversary of the attack and we remember the brave men and women who lost their lives at the World Trade Center, the Pentagon, and in a deserted field in the Pennsylvania countryside. That day, 3,000 Americans died at the hands of terrorists who would see our country destroyed. These fellow citizens were the first casualties of our nation's War on Terror.

While we suffered a grievous loss that day, we must remember that we are a strong and determined nation, and we will defeat those who want to do us harm.  Today, we join together to show the world that our nation is united and resolved to defend our freedom and safeguard our liberty against any enemy.

We also take time to remember those who perished on 9/11 and to remember their families with a special prayer.
 We reflect on the heroism of the firefighters, police officers, medical workers and city officials who died in the line of duty trying to save others.  Finally, as we remember the events of September 11, we recognize that each of us and our entire nation were forever changed on that day.