Today is the day that Americans everywhere pause to reflect on the tragic events on the bright, sunny day thirteen years ago when we were attacked in such a cowardly manner. No less than December 7, 1941 or November 22, 1963, this days date has joined our collective memory as we ask others, “Where were you that day?”
On that day, we lost not only thousands of our fellow citizens, we lost men and women of law enforcement and EMS, who answered the call. We lost pilots and flight attendants of our profession who fought to stop the attacks on their airliners and passengers. Since then we have lost thousands of our military troops, tens of thousands have been maimed and others who have stood to defend our nation and our families.
On this day especially and everyday; let us never forget their sacrifices that have allowed us to live, work and support our families in this great nation. Let us remember the union men and women who willfully walked into harms way to save their fellow man. And let us stand in pride for the union men and women who have rebuilt the hallowed ground, sending a clear message of our nations unbowed resilience.
And on this, the 200th anniversary of writing of “The Star Spangled Banner,” may we always remember the immortal words of the last stanza:
Oh! thus be it ever, when freemen shall stand
Between their loved home and the war's desolation!
Blest with victory and peace, may the heav'n rescued land
Praise the Power that hath made and preserved us a nation.
Then conquer we must, when our cause it is just,
And this be our motto: "In God is our trust."
And the star-spangled banner in triumph shall wave
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave!