"Eleven years ago today, senseless acts of violence caused death and destruction in the worst attacks on American soil since Pearl Harbor.  Today, we pause to remember and honor all who lost their lives on that day and all those who made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of our liberty in the years following 9/11.  We honor the first responders who cast aside their own safety to save the lives of others during heroic rescue and recovery operations in the aftermath of the 9/11 attacks.  We also pay tribute to the resiliency of our fellow Americans who came together as a nation in common cause in response to the tragedy of September 11, 2001.  The powerful determination of Americans makes clear that what unites us is much more important that what divides us, and I believe that today is a time to reflect on that principle."

 

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