There is little doubt that most of you reading this message will recall exactly where you were when 9.11 took on new meaning in American vocabulary. Fourteen years ago today America became the victim of a tragic attack which lead to the loss of nearly 3,000 innocent lives. In the years that have passed we have continued to see the effects that these and other attacks have had on our lives and the lives of those intimately connected to September 11, 2001.
Today we remember these losses and honor those who have answered the call of their country in one way or another. The freedoms we enjoy were not won without great sacrifice, and they will not endure without the continued service of those willing to defend them. We live in the greatest country in the world, with freedom of choice beyond what most could ever imagine, and a great debt of gratitude is due to those who make it possible.
Wherever you find yourself today I encourage you to remember the common thread you have with nearly every person you will come in contact with. We are collectively citizens of the United States of America, and when that fact is realized unity and strength will emerge.
May God bless you and may God bless America.