My grandfather taught me in everything bad to always look for something good.  In the wake of September 11th, we saw average everyday Americans become true heroes.  Our firefighters, policemen and women, and rescue workers rose to the occasion, many of them sacrificing their own lives to save another—as they do each and every day—and we will be forever grateful.

We saw a coalition of nations come together as we’ve never seen before in history to wage a campaign to rid the world of terrorism.  Our men and women in the military have been standing tall in Afghanistan as we carry out this vast campaign.  We take pride in their courageous service to our country, and we continue to pray for their well-being and that of their families.  

In the past six months, a renewed sense of patriotism has swept across America unlike I have seen in my lifetime.

And finally, we have all been reminded of the importance of family, friends and loved ones, and the value of prayer in our busy everyday lives.   A nation praying more and spending more time with family is a healthier nation.

As time further distances us from the pain of September 11th and our lives continue to return to normal, we must remain dedicated to ensuring that our children and grandchildren can grow up in a stronger and more peaceful world, the way we knew it before September 11th.  We owe it to them, and we owe it to all those who lost their lives on that fateful day.