As we approach the remembrance of September 11th, it is my hope that the citizens of the United States will honor the legacy of those who lost their lives and pay tribute to their survivors in time honored American ways - like helping others in need, saying a kind word to a stranger, volunteering at a homeless shelter or sending relief to people around the world who we may never even meet. After all, our country is not great because of our military strength, our free enterprise system or even our right to vote (as awesome as these qualities are!). America is great as we give more than we take and as we are willing to serve and sacrifice for others.

We now know countless stories of heroism and remarkable bravery -- passengers on flight 93 that had the courage to stand up to terrorists giving their lives to protect hundreds of others, a Lieutenant Colonial who died trying to get his co-workers to safety or a firefighter who ran up the stairs of a building that was coming down on top of him. Although they didn't sign up to fight in the trenches of the War on Terrorism, fire fighters, EMT's, law enforcement officers, medical professionals and even airline passengers were willing to lay down their lives for people they had never even met.

The sacrifice and courage of our first responders on September 11th caused a swell of pride in all Americans, of every generation. What we witnessed when America came under attack was comparable to the noble actions of the "Greatest Generation" veterans on D-day when they stormed the beaches of Normandy or in the lonely courage of American heroes in the jungles of Vietnam.

The United States of America is at her best not when the Dow Jones average is above 10,000 points, or when we land on the moon, but when our citizens are willing to sacrifice themselves so that others might be secure.

This weekend I will participate in a historic joint-session of Congress at Federal Hall in New York City, lay a wreath at Ground Zero and speak on Sunday at a memorial service in a Brooklyn church. On Wednesday, September 11th I will attend the National Memorial Service at the Pentagon with President George W. Bush and Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld. That evening I will listen with the rest of the world to President Bush speak about this past year and America's security in an unstable world.

As we bow our heads in respect on September 11th, let us all be committed to honoring our country and those that have gone before us by giving of ourselves to help others. After all, every day of life is a gift from God and none of us know which might be our last. Let us stay united and make the most of every day!