May we Never Forget

Few days are seared into the American psyche with more pain or solemnity than September 11, 2001. As we mark the 20th anniversary of that awful day, we remember the thousands of Americans who lost their lives when terrorists attacked our country. We remember the brave and selfless first firefighters, police officers, and paramedics that rushed toward danger that day. And we remember the thousands of service members who would go on to defend our flag and our nation.

We remember, too, that the searing pain we felt in the day, weeks, and months after the attack revealed in us a truly unique and powerful unity. We remember that while those terrorists may have succeeded in their aim to create chaos, they failed miserably in their endeavor to sow division. Instead — in a uniquely American way — folks of every age, race, color, and creed came together as one.

In the wake of the destruction we rallied to rebuild not only our structures but our spirits. And on this day, we recommit ourselves to the sacred obligation we made two decades ago — never forget. Never forget the names and stories of those we lost. Never forget the evil that took them from us. And never forget who we are.

Never forget that we are Americans — uniquely blessed and uniquely responsible for carrying on this great experiment of democracy. An experiment that requires robust debate, disagreement, and sometimes discord. But an experiment that requires in even greater measure common-purpose and unity. So let us never forget who we are and what this country means. Let us carry those we lost with us in our hearts. May God bless them and their families. And may He continue to bless our great country.