"Our democracy and way of life was threatened on that horrible day.  One year later, Americans still stand united against this evil, which has attacked the very heart of our freedom, endangering the democratic ideals we cherish.  On this day, we must pause to remember the victims of the attacks, and to honor that memory.  We must continue to thank those who guard and protect us, here and abroad; our soldiers, our firefighters, police officers, and emergency rescue personnel – our real heroes. 

"So much has changed in the past year.  I was able to participate in a commemorative Joint Session of Congress last week in New York City.  After the session, we visited Ground Zero for a special ceremony.  It was a very moving experience.  Weeks after the attacks, I visited the site as part of a bipartisan congressional delegation, and while much progress has been made since that first visit, the clean up effort continues.  There is now a hole seven stories deep into the ground where the World Trade Center twin towers once stood.  Personally viewing this site renewed my commitment to making America safe again and made me more determined than ever to end terrorism."