TWO YEARS LATER
There are events throughout history that define generations. The Wright brothers' first flight in 1903, the "Black Tuesday" stock market crash of 1929, the attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941 and the landing of a man on the moon in 1969 are a few seminal moments that triggered a seismic shift in the course of our nation. For this generation, September 11, 2001, is a date that will forever recall the devastating attacks that rained terror on the United States of America. But it will also evoke the pride and patriotism we felt as police, firefighters and airplane passengers gave their lives to save countless others.
This month, as we commemorate the second anniversary of the day that 19 hijackers forever changed the physical and psychological landscape of our nation, that day in September merits reflection and raises the question: two years later, are we safer?
On 9-11-03 church bells throughout Manhattan will ring at exactly 8:46 a.m. - the moment the first plane crashed into the north tower of the World Trade Center. That evening, the lights on Broadway will go dim. Baseball games will observe a moment of silence before the first pitch is thrown. But after the bells cease, the lights come on and the games begin - we must go about our daily lives more careful about our community safety, never forgetting the devastation and horror of September 11.
Securing our Nation
Immediately after the attacks, our nation charged into action, closing the loopholes that allowed the terrorists to infiltrate our country. Aviation security gaps, immigration mishaps and intelligence lapses were immediately addressed. New federal entities were created and charged with the task of protecting our transportation infrastructure and our homeland. And we launched a global war on terror taking the fight to the mountains of Afghanistan, the sand dunes of Iraq, and to main streets both in the U.S. and abroad where terrorists have burrowed.
Fortunately, our nation has not suffered another terrorist attack coming close to the magnitude of that horrific day. Increased law enforcement has been critical, but a new awareness and vigilance on the part of the American people have helped thwart terrorist attacks and protect our country from zealots who wish to destroy our way of life. While families have had to adopt emergency plans, Congress is continuing to address problems at our borders, in our skies and at our ports. And we will continue the war on terror.
Texas Reflects
As Americans and our friends around the globe reflect on this second anniversary, Texans will have a unique opportunity to commemorate that fateful day. A Smithsonian exhibit that drew one million visitors during a 10-month run at the National Museum of American History will begin its traveling exhibit in the Lone Star State on September 11. Fort Worth will be the opening city for the seven-city tour. The Fort Worth Museum of Science and History will display, "September 11: Bearing Witness to History," through January 4, 2004.
The commemorative exhibit includes items such as a twisted piece of steel, firefighters' gear and a piece of limestone from the Pentagon. It also includes memorials from the crash site in Pennsylvania, and photographs and stories of survivors. For information on the Smithsonian exhibit, visit: http://americanhistory.si.edu/september11/.
This month, as you honor the memory of those lost on September 11, know that our nation is indeed safer. Our vulnerability was exposed, but we responded with a steely resolve, that has made us stronger, richer and better. We will never be the same, but the Americans we have become will be the shining example of liberty and democracy for all the world to see.
September 5, 2003