“Once again this week, Americans will see the images and hear the stories of September 11th. The anniversary of the deadliest terrorist attacks on American soil have become a difficult, but annual, rite of passage.  As sickening as these images are on their own, the memory of that one single morning is even harder to cope with if you lost a family member or a friend in the fall of the twin towers, the attack on the Pentagon, or the crash of Flight 93 in a Pennsylvania field.

 

Remembering is difficult, but it is also important.

 

Important because the men and women murdered on September 11th were not combatants in any war.  They represented all of the major religions on our planet, reflected many nationalities, spoke many languages, and came from all walks of life.  They had families who loved them, they had friends who respected them, they had dreams that were cut short with their lives – in an instant.  Because they lived American lives, because they reflected the diverse values of our national culture, they were targeted and ruthlessly killed. 

 

They were targeted in senseless homicide by terrorists who cared less about life than they cared about taking life. 

 

Those who died on September 11th were gone quickly, with just enough time to leave a phone message or have a final conversation with someone they loved.  Others spent the final minutes of their lives saving others, in the ultimate heroic sacrifice.  We are obligated to reflect on the lives they lived because they did not get that chance.

 

At the same time, we must remember that this national reflection on September 11th provides an important opportunity to renew our dedication to the mission of American homeland security.  Every year, September 11th becomes a more and more important date to keep this important issue boiling on the front burner of American consciousness.  It is an important time to publicly assess our safety as a country, to identify the next, important steps in securing our borders, making travel safe, and conducting forceful diplomacy that discourages the next act of terror, whether it be by the government of a whole nation or by a faction of 20 men with evil in their hearts.

 

Public debates over important issues like information privacy, limited intelligence gathering, and the organization of the Department of Homeland Security are crucial to keeping U.S. awareness and preparedness high.  Border security is vital to homeland security.  So is domestic disaster response and the organization of the Federal Emergency Management Agency.  Just as important is the way American foreign policy is conducted, since it is coalitions of willing nations that provide a vanguard against the terrorism of the future.

 

None of our preparation now can erase the horrible events of the past, however, the past can influence our preparation in the future.

 

Across the country this week, memorials will be held, twin searchlights will send parallel beams of light into the sky, vigils will recall the names and faces of 9/11's victims, and many prayers will be said.  Those prayers will be prayers of remembrance as well as prayers of hope for the future.

 

We must always grieve for the lives lost on September 11th, because, in doing so, we promise to ourselves that this must never happen again.”