On the ten year anniversary of the terrible events of 9/11, I join every American in remembering those who perished on that day.  We offer our comfort to the survivors and our thoughts and prayers to the families of those who lost loved ones.  We celebrate the heroism of the professional first responders as well as the many ordinary men and women who rushed to the aid of friend and stranger alike.  That impulse says everything about what it means to be an American.  

And we express our unending gratitude to the military and civilian personnel of our Armed Forces and the intelligence community.  Since that fateful day, they have dedicated themselves to protecting the American people and our way of life.  We salute them and their families for the sacrifices they have made.