Seven years ago, the world watched in horror as tragedy struck and American lives were lost in New York, Washington, and Pennsylvania.  Four years later, innocent lives were lost in New Orleans when disaster struck once again, in the form of Hurricane Katrina.

From the moment the first airplane hit the World Trade Center, and again when flood waters rushed over New Orleans’ levees, inundating the “Big Easy,” America was changed.  We were awakened to a new sense of vulnerability that continues to shape our Nation.  But what we have learned from these tragic experiences extends beyond those early hours of shock and uncertainty.

Last month, I accompanied a 22-member Congressional delegation on a tour of several sites in New Orleans, Baton Rouge, and coastal Mississippi to determine where the region stands on the issues of health care, housing, education, infrastructure, criminal justice, insurance reform and infrastructure, including rebuilding the levees in the aftermath of Katrina. 

While there remains much to be done, especially in the wake of Hurricane Gustav, I was pleased and proud to see first hand the progress that has been made, thanks in part to the many West Virginians who came to the aide of the devastated Gulf States, promptly and with great fervor. 

The tragedies of September 11th and Hurricane Katrina forever enshrined the importance of those anonymous heroes who stand among us every day.  From the firefighters who died in the line of duty, to the airline passengers who fought back, to the police officers, firefighters, medical personnel, and the countless bystanders who voluntarily put aside their fears and sprang into action, a new generation saw firsthand the incredible power of the American spirit.

Our appreciation for our first responders -- those selfless men and women who reside among us -- should not be limited to a single day.  Just as they work every day to keep us safe, so too should we thank them every chance we get for the sacrifices they make.

We can never repay those brave men and women who took up their stations on 9-11.  Nor can we ever adequately repay the emergency responders, police, firefighters, and volunteers who have come to the aid of complete strangers when natural disasters strike.  The one thing we CAN do is make sure that they have the tools to do their jobs as efficiently and as safely as possible.  

I say to those today who stand on the front lines of emergency response -- thank you.  Thank you for enabling us to close our eyes at night and sleep peacefully.  Thank you for protecting our homes and communities in times of need.  Thank you for enabling us to live our lives with a greater sense of security. 

The cruel terrorist attacks on that fateful day in September seven years ago and the devastation of the Gulf Coast by Hurricane Katrina will forever stand out in the history our Nation.  But they also reawakened a wide regard for faithful public servants as our Nation witnessed true heroes at work.

You are America’s heroes.  For all that you do, we thank you.