“On this solemn day of remembrance, we honor the innocent lives lost nine years ago on September 11th in New York, Pennsylvania and Virginia.  We pay tribute to the heroism of law enforcement officials, firefighters, and all our men and women in uniform serving around the world for their efforts in rescuing survivors, punishing those responsible, and their continuing determination to prevent another attack from ever occurring on American soil. These men and women are true American patriots, and represent the very best that America has to offer.

We also pay tribute to the surviving families and friends, who have been called upon to bear an even greater burden. We all share a common goal of making our world a more peaceful place for generations to come.”